In recent months, UK police forces have uncovered a disturbing trend: organised crime groups are increasingly targeting empty shops and pubs in town centres, transforming them into large-scale cannabis farms. With the decline of high streets across the country, criminals have seized the opportunity to use vacant properties for illicit activities, from an old toy shop in Ayr, Scotland, to a former bank in Welshpool, Powys.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has revealed that these empty commercial spaces—ranging from restaurants and nightclubs to office buildings—have become prime real estate for criminals looking to cultivate cannabis on an industrial scale. One notable example is a former department store in Newport, South Wales, where police discovered more than 3,000 cannabis plants spread across several floors. The street value of the drugs was estimated at a staggering £2 million.
Chief Constable Richard Lewis, the NPCC’s national lead on drugs, explained how the downturn in footfall during the evenings has made it easier for these operations to go undetected. “Large-scale shops have closed down, leaving behind a footprint perfect for large-scale cannabis production,” he noted. The lack of activity around these properties after dark means that neighbours are less likely to notice anything suspicious.
In response to this growing threat, police forces have intensified their operations, executing 1,000 warrants and making nearly 1,000 arrests over the past year. Gwent Police, in particular, has been proactive in Newport, where they raided several cannabis farms, including the former Wildings department store, which had closed its doors in 2019.
Law enforcement isn’t just focusing on those directly involved in growing the cannabis. Estate agents, electricians, and other tradespeople who assist these criminal gangs in converting properties are also facing prosecution. “We’ve seen prosecutions of landlords who turn a blind eye to what’s happening, as well as those tradespeople who facilitate this illegal trade,” added Chief Constable Lewis.
The issue of large-scale cannabis production isn’t just about drug cultivation—it’s also linked to more serious crimes, including human trafficking and violence. Police are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any signs of suspicious activity, such as windows being taped up or bright lights shining at odd hours.
In Newport, efforts are being made to safeguard vulnerable buildings, with police working closely with the city council to maintain a database of properties at risk of being exploited by organised crime groups. As the UK continues to grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many high street shops empty, the challenge of keeping these spaces from falling into criminal hands has never been more pressing.
Police are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity that might indicate a property is being used for illegal purposes, such as the cultivation of cannabis by organised crime groups. If you notice anything unusual, such as windows being taped up or bright lights shining at odd hours, it’s important to report it. Visit Crimestoppers UK to anonymously share any information that could help in the fight against these criminal activities.
[Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]
