Police raid suburban drug farms

May 29 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

POLICE are investigating two ‘cannabis factories’ discovered in the leafy suburbs of Chester being run by Chinese suspected illegal immigrants.

The authorities were alerted to the first house in Green Lane, Vicars Cross, last Friday after the occupant caused a fire by overloading the electrics to supply high-powered lighting. He is missing and wanted by police.

The next day, a landlord discovered a cannabis factory at his property in Cotebrook Drive, Upton, and apprehended 46-year-old Ming Zhou – although an accomplice escaped.

Zhou, who told police he is an illegal immigrant, has been charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis and remanded in custody.

Police are investigating a possible connection between the two addresses.

Inspector Ian Thorp said there had been raids on properties in the rural area and suspects the cultivation of cannabis is also on the increase in suburbia. He is asking letting agents and residents to be on the look out for suspicious signs.

He said: “Are people living a normal life-style and routine? Is electrical equipment being unloaded into the premises? Are the curtains drawn all the time?”

Full Story in Friday’s Chronicle