A Premier League footballer’s property in the North West of England fell victim to a criminal gang’s illicit activities, as they transformed it into a large-scale cannabis farm.
Upon raiding the property, law enforcement officials discovered the extensive cannabis operation, prompting an investigation that put the footballer in the spotlight. Despite being the owner of the property, the player had to demonstrate his innocence to authorities, proving that he had delegated management to a family member and was not directly involved in the illegal activities.
The gang took control of the house, leaving the tenant, a woman, surrounded by hundreds of cannabis plants in what police described as a “cuckoo-plot” operation.
Fortunately, both the footballer and the tenant were cleared of any charges after police concluded that the tenant had been unwittingly manipulated by the criminal gang.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the production and possession of cannabis with the intent to supply carry severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison. Landlords who fail to report suspicions of illegal activities on their properties can also face legal repercussions, including the seizure of rental income under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, cannabis production is often linked to other serious criminal activities such as Class A drug importation, human trafficking, violence and exploitation.
In June alone, over 1,000 cannabis farms were raided, resulting in the seizure of plants worth £130 million and the arrest of 1,000 suspects. Each plant involved in such operations is valued at approximately £840 in criminal trials, highlighting the lucrative nature of the illicit cannabis trade.
[Image via Shutterstock]