Premier League Star's Home Taken Over by Criminal Gang for Cannabis Farm

A criminal gang has taken control of a Premier League star's home and forced the tenant to allow them to grow cannabis. The gang, known for their cuckoo-plot tactics, left the female occupant surrounded by hundreds of plants.

When the police raided the property, the player had to prove his innocence to avoid charges. Fortunately, the tenant was also released without charge after it was determined that she had been set up by the gang.

According to a source, the player owns the house in the North West as part of a buy-to-let empire. While another family member manages the properties, they were shocked to discover a large-scale cannabis farm on the premises. The plants were promptly confiscated and destroyed. The player had to provide documentation to demonstrate that although he owned the property, someone else was living in it.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the production and possession of cannabis with the intent to supply is a criminal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Landlords who fail to report suspicions of illegal activity can also face the same penalty, and their rental income may be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The prevalence of cannabis farms operating in residential properties is on the rise. In June alone, over 1,000 cannabis farms were raided, resulting in the seizure of plants worth £130 million and the arrest of 1,000 suspects. In criminal trials, single cannabis plants are often valued at £840.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has highlighted that organized networks involved in cannabis production are also connected to other serious criminal activities, including the importation of Class A drugs, slavery, violence, and exploitation.

It is crucial for landlords to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of illegal activity to the authorities. By doing so, they can help combat the growth of cannabis farms and contribute to the prevention of associated criminality.