Ref:11/08 February 5, 2008
ACPO RECOMMENDS CANNABIS RECLASSIFICATION

A growing shift in criminal behaviour involving the cultivation, distribution and use of cannabis is contributing to an increase in the harm to community safety caused by cannabis misuse, according to evidence presented by ACPO to the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs today.

Taken together with evidence pointing to an increase in potency of cannabis and increasing public concern over drug misuse, the shift in criminality forms the basis of an ACPO recommendation to restore cannabis to a Class B drug, within the current legal framework.

Simon Byrne, Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police and ACPO lead on policing cannabis, said:

“The world has changed markedly since cannabis was classified as a Class C drug four years ago. Our substantive argument then in support of the change was the disproportionate amount of time spent by front line police officers in dealing with offenders in possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. Should the decision be taken to reclassify cannabis to a Class B, ACPO believes the service should retain this flexibility in dealing with instances of possession on the street, including the discretion to issue warnings in appropriate circumstances.

“The two main changes we are seeing are a rise in cannabis farms, and an undercurrent in the market which suggests more harmful health effects. Cannabis farming is now a potentially lucrative field of criminal activity which can attract organised crime gangs which often have links to people and drugs trafficking, particularly from the east and Southeast Asia. Indoor methods of home grown cultivation now ensure a year-round supply of cannabis, with potential consequences that, left unchecked, could see the market become saturated, prices fall further and England and Wales become a net exporter of the drug.

“Across the police service we have responded to this challenge, raiding some 2000 cannabis farms in the last 12 months and sending a clear message in relation to drug misuse. The overarching purpose of drug classification is communication. Restoring cannabis to Class B would reinforce the message to the public and to criminals that tough action will be taken to deal with criminality.”

“Members of the public who are aware of those involved in cultivating or dealing cannabis in their community can let their local neighbourhood policing team know or use the confidential Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.

“Members of the public can assist the police in this operation by looking out for the tell tale signs of cannabis cultivation on their street. Should a member of the public grow suspicious of a property, they should NOT approach the property, but call Crimestoppers on or their local police station.”


Some of these factors combined may indicate that there is a cannabis factory on the premises. If you believe there is a cannabis factory in your area, please call your local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside.

• Visits to the premises occur at unusual times of the day or night.

• People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them.

• The offenders may call daily or weekly but usually do not stay long.

• The cannabis or by-products such as used fertiliser will be removed in black bin bags or laundry bags.

• Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside, usually in the rear of the premises.

• There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window.

• There may be a pungent smell emanating from the premises.

• There may be noise coming from the equipment in the premises (i.e. cooling fans).

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Notes to editors:

The 'Submission of evidence on the classification of Cannabis' can be found on the Policies page of the ACPO website.

• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.

• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.