Earlier this year large-scale operations were shut down in Kinsclere and Crawley. Most factories are discovered thanks to community intelligence. Here’s how you can spot the clues.
1. Smell
Its going to have a strong smell. Especially in the last couple of weeks before harvest. If you don't know what cannabis smells like, its quite sweet and a bit like tomato plants on a hot day. Photo: SYP
2. Strange deliveries
People might bring lots of building, lighting and ventilation equipment into the venue. Plywood is used to separate different growing rooms. Photo: JPI
3. Excessive security
Cannabis farms often have reinforced doors, strong locks, and fences and gates built where there were none previously to stop intruders. Photo: SYP
4. Visitors at strange hours
Lots of money is invested in these cannabis factories - setup costs can run into tens of thousands. So they might send people to check the quality of the stock late at night. Photo: JPI