Cannabis farmers 'are eco-terrorists' (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Cannabis farmers 'are eco-terrorists'

8:30pm Tuesday 30th October 2007

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A POLICE sergeant has described those behind cannabis factories as "environmental terrorists".

Sergeant John Fryer made the comments after seizing 70 cannabis plants in a raid at a terraced house in James Street, Colne.

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He said that those behind cannabis factories were "environmental terrorists" due to the amount of electricity used for the farms.

In one recent case, Sgt Fryer said it was believed that a drugs farm had used more than £1,800 worth of electricity in just three months.

Officers had executed a drugs warrant at the James Street home at around 3pm last Friday and arrested a 27-year-old man living at the address.

More than 70 plants were found growing in an upstairs bedroom, under a hydroponics system, police said.

The man was later given a police caution.

But police said he also faced further investigation on suspicion of abstracting electricity, pending further inquiries by United Utilities revenue protection team.

Police suspect that the electricity meter had been bypassed in order to support the cannabis-growing operation.

Sgt John Fryer, of Colne Police, said: "The people behind these cannabis farms are environmental terrorists.

"The amount of greenhouse gases to grow these illegal drugs must be horrendous.

"We welcome the public ringing Crimestoppers and the local police station to give us information about these cannabis farms."

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