A cannabis grower was caught trying to flush away the evidence of his criminal activity when police arrived.
A small cannabis grow was discovered by Humberside Police when they attended an address on Bransholme, Hull, on Sunday.
The criminal tried to get rid of their grow by flushing the evidence down the toilet, but instead it left behind a mess of green stems and buds in the bottom of the bowl, Hull Live reported.
Officers recovered evidence from the bowl of the toilet after the culprit tried to cover up their crimes.
On Twitter Humberside Police said: "Today [4 July] officers have discovered a small cannabis grow at an address on Bransholme.
"The culprit quickly learnt that cannabis plants don't flush away easily! He has now been reported for cannabis production."
The two main cannabis production offences are defined as:
- Production of a controlled drug; and,
- Being concerned in the production of a controlled drug
Production is defined as ‘manufacturing, cultivating or production by any other method’. For example, separating those parts of the cannabis plant which are not usable from those which are, is considered preparation and can amount to the offence of production.
The elements of the offence of being concerned in the production of a controlled drug are:
- A controlled drug was produced; and,
- There is a link between the suspect and production process (provision of equipment or suitable premises); and,
- The suspect knew that a controlled drug was being produced
Production is classified as a 'trafficking' offence. This allows for authorities to order a POCA (Proceeds of a Crime) hearing.
POCA provides the courts with scope to confiscate the proceeds of a crime where a defendant is shown to have benefited from their criminal conduct.
Often the police will charge a person suspected of growing cannabis with a production offence rather than a cultivation offence so that a proceeds of crime investigation can be initiated.
The severity of the penalty applied in relation to production offences will depend on the individual circumstances of the case. The prosecution consider the size of the operation, the individual’s role in said operation and certain mitigating factors.
Don't miss the latest Scottish crime and courts news from the Daily Record. Sign up to our Criminal Record newsletter here .
