Premier League Star's Home Turned into Cannabis Factory by Criminal Gang: A Growing Problem in the UK

A report in The Sun has claimed that a criminal gang took control of an unnamed Premier League star's home and forced their tenant to let them turn the house into a cannabis factory. The property, located in the north west of England, is owned by the top-flight player but was being rented out.

The tenant, a female, found herself surrounded by hundreds of cannabis plants after the gang took over the property. The situation came to light when the police raided the home, resulting in both the Premier League star and the tenant facing questioning.

However, the player was able to prove his innocence to the police, who also concluded that the tenant had been set up by the gang. As a result, she was released without charge.

According to a source, the player owns the house as part of a buy-to-let empire, with another family member managing the properties. The discovery of the large-scale cannabis farm came as a shock to them. The police confiscated and destroyed the plants, and the player had to provide documentation to demonstrate that while he owned the property, someone else was living in it.

It is important to note that the production and possession of cannabis with an intent to supply can lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years, as stated in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Landlords who fail to report suspicions of illegal activity can also be held liable and face similar punishment. Additionally, rental income can be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Cannabis farms have become a growing problem in the UK, with over 1,000 raids taking place during the summer. These raids resulted in the seizure of £130 million worth of plants, with each plant estimated to be worth £840. Furthermore, 1,000 suspects were arrested during these operations.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has highlighted that organised networks involved in cannabis production are often connected to other serious criminal activities, including Class A drug importation, slavery, violence, and exploitation.

In conclusion, the incident involving the Premier League star's home being turned into a cannabis factory by a criminal gang highlights the prevalence of this issue in the UK. It serves as a reminder of the legal consequences faced by those involved in the production and possession of cannabis, as well as the potential liability faced by landlords. The authorities continue to combat this problem through raids and arrests, recognizing the link between cannabis production and other serious criminal activities.