I am reproducing the following information which has come via Rushcliffe Community Watch. You will be aware that cannabis is an illegal substance, though there is continuing debate about how serious it is and what action the authorities should be taking against it. My own view is that we need more information about the harmful effects of cannabis. In the meantime, we need to be vigilant about the activities of drug producers and dealers.

===============================================================================

Doubtless you will have recently read in the media that the Government are considering re-grading cannabis to a Class B drug. This is based on medical opinion concerning the long-term effects that continual use may have on user's health.

What you may not know is that across the country some members of Oriental community are actively engaged in the wholesale production of Cannabis.

Usually they will rent an unoccupied property, strip it out and turn it into a factory. During recent weeks the police in the West Bridgford area have recovered substantial amounts of the drug being grown in such properties.

We are asking for your help to stamping out this harmful trade.

- Do you know of any houses in your area that do not appear to be permanently occupied, but may be visited infrequently by persons of Oriental appearance?

- Do such people visit the premises at odd hours, perhaps during the night?

- Do these properties have their curtains or blinds permanently closed?

- Can you see lights permanently burning within the premises?

- Have you seen people carrying large numbers of lighting units and tubs into properties?

- Do any of these properties have strange pipes/fixings exiting the building?

- Have you witnessed anyone tampering with the electrical supplies where they enter the building?

- Is there a strong sickly, pungent and persistent odour coming from the premises? The actual smell of the crop is very difficult to eradicate and frequently permeates the locality.

If you have any suspicions or any information about cannabis production, please contact the police.