Thousands of pounds worth of equipment seized by police when they discovered a £5milion cannabis factory has been donated to a community charity.
The colossal criminal enterprise was dismantled and the drugs sent for destruction after a raid by Cheshire Police earlier this month.
But specialist planting equipment, including water pumps, wall fans, plant pots and soil have been recycled for legitimate use.
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It was recovered when officers found a large cannabis farm in a business premises on Rivington Road, Ellesmere Port.
Rather than let the equipment go to waste, officers decided to donate it to Bridge Community Farm – a working farm in Ellesmere Port that brings together people from the local community and offers those in need a helping hand.
The farm provided work for people who are long-term unemployed by growing and selling fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs to the local community.
The charity also offers a therapeutic environment for people living with mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as people with physical and learning disabilities.
Inspector Paul Fegan, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, said: “Throughout the pandemic the Bridge Community Farm has provided and invaluable service to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, so when we recovered all the equipment they were the first charity that came to mind.
“We know the long term damage that illegal drugs can have on our community, so it is great to see something positive come out on this occasion.”
Clair Johnson, general manager at Bridge Community Farm, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed with how much equipment we have received from the local officers.
“These items will not only help us financially, but will also help ensure that we are able to continue the voluntary work we carry out at the farm long into the future.”
Commenting on the raid, Inspector Egan said: “This is a fantastic discovery and we are delighted to have removed a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets of Ellesmere Port.
“We know what negative impact illegal drug use and supply can have on the community and we continue to do all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity.”
No arrests have been made at the current time and enquiries in relation to the discovery are ongoing.
