300 plants found at cannabis farm

Members of the Upper Calder Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) seized more than 300 suspected cannabis plants from four flats in Oldham Road.

Officers searched the premises at about 8pm on Friday and found the plants along with hydroponics equipment and other drugs paraphernalia within the property.

As the officers searched the flats further, they found that the electricity supply to the flats had been tampered with, so had to ensure the electricity supply was safe.

Officers spent most of the weekend at the flats, which had been converted into one property, clearing out the plants and equipment. The plants have now been seized and will be destroyed. A sample of the plants have been sent for forensic examination.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said last night inquiries were ongoing to trace those involved.

Sgt Michael Bowden, of Upper Valley NPT, last night urged anyone who had seen anyone entering the flats recently to contact the police.

He said: “It’s very rare for NPT to find so many plants during one of our warrants.

“Local residents have a key part to play in tackling drug offences because information they provide can be crucial to starting an investigation.”

He urged anyone with suspicions about drugs offences to get in touch.

“The vast majority of information we receive about cannabis farms comes from concerned members of the public, and I would encourage anyone with suspicions about people cultivating cannabis to contact us in confidence and we will act on the information we receive,” Sgt Bowden added

To report someone you suspect of cultivating cannabis, contact your local NPT via 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.