The heat generated by growing plants indoors, combined with poor insulation, led police to a “cannabis factory” in northern England

Members of the community reported suspicions about what was happening at a rented house in Montrose Road, Leicester.

When officers began checking out the information, they noticed the house was one of the few in the area without snow on the roof. Cannabis factories tend to be very warm due to the high number of industrial-strength lights used to encourage plant growth.

Officers obtained a search warrant, and yesterday (Thursday December 16) they raided the house. They discovered around 300 plants worth tens of thousands of pounds, and a sophisticated growing system.

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“By closing this drugs factory we have disrupted a significant criminal enterprise, and stopped a large amount of drugs from reaching the streets of Leicester.”

Marijuana raids always mention a number of plants and 300 seems to be fairly common, as reported in California, Connecticut, Kansas, Florida, Idaho, Pennsylvania….

At first I was curious how 300 compares with other amounts reported for “significant” indoor finds so I searched by incrementing 100s (400, 500, etc.); I gave up when I reached 6400 (more than a ton, estimated at $9 million). That could melt a lot of snow.

The Leicestershire Constabulatory concluded their report with this quick guide to “cannabis factory” spotting:

* Windows obscured at all times
* Heavy condensation on windows
* The distinctive smell of cannabis
* Lights being used at odd times
* Deliveries of large items late at night