Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers shut down a large-scale cannabis growing operation on Monday, April 8th.

Responding to reports of cannabis use near a property on Honeysuckle Gardens, Hatfield, NPT officers obtained a warrant and entered the building. Inside, they discovered a sophisticated operation with five rooms dedicated to cannabis cultivation.

The estimated haul included 460-480 plants, with a potential street value exceeding £250,000. The property was vacant at the time of the raid.

The property was unoccupied, but authorities are currently investigating to identify those responsible.

Sergeant Robert Wilson, from the Welwyn Hatfield NPT, said: “Cannabis farms are not only illegal but they present a danger to neighbouring properties as they are a serious fire risk. The destruction of this cannabis factory will significantly disrupt the local drugs network and make the community safer.
“There are a number of signs that a property could be being used as a cannabis factory. You may notice a sweet, sickly aroma or frequent visitors throughout the day and night. The property may have blacked out windows, or vents sealed/blocked to prevent the heat and smell of cannabis from inside the property escaping. There may also be chinks of bright light throughout the night. If you are suspicious about a property, please don’t hesitate to report it.”

Help to Spot the signs of cannabis cultivation:

A powerful distinctive sweet, sickly aroma
Frequent visitors throughout the day and night
Blacked out windows, or vents sealed/blocked to prevent the heat and smell of cannabis from inside the property escaping
Chinks of bright light throughout the night
Birds gathering on the roof, particularly in cold weather
In winter, snow melting unusually quickly on the roof
High levels of condensation on windows
Noise from fans
Large amounts of rubbish, including compost bags
Electricity meter being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting.