Police found a cannabis farm with 850 plants inside a house in Bebington, Wirral, during an early morning raid on Friday, as first reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Merseyside Police said the plants were spread across multiple floors of the property on Bebington Road and were nearing the harvesting stage. The raid was carried out as part of an investigation targeting people suspected of involvement in organised crime.

A police spokesperson said: “Anyone who has seen suspicious activity or vehicles around the location is encouraged to come forward.”

Day of action across east Wirral

The raid formed part of a wider day of action in east Wirral aimed at serious crime and antisocial behaviour. The force said it had received information about drug dealing, exploitation, serious violence, criminal damage and wider antisocial behaviour.

Merseyside Police said officers made seven arrests in the Rock Ferry, New Ferry and Birkenhead areas. The Echo understands that none of the arrests were related to the discovery of the cannabis farm, and no arrests connected to the farm have been reported.

The people arrested were:

  • a 26-year-old man on suspicion of commercial burglary, possession of cash, controlled drugs and an offensive weapon;
  • a 33-year-old woman on suspicion of theft and fraud offences;
  • a 23-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man over alleged retail theft;
  • a 48-year-old woman on suspicion of drug driving;
  • a 41-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, both arrested on recall to prison.

Police and council comments

Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Colin Dyer said the activity had focused on specific areas of the Wirral but “sends a clear message that we will continue to target those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour and protect the communities they affect”.

He added that drug dealing, violence and antisocial behaviour could have a real impact on people’s lives and their sense of safety, and encouraged residents to keep sharing information with the force.

Merseyside Police said the operation involved Merseyrail, Wirral Council, Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs.

Councillor Jenny Johnson, chair of Wirral Council’s tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee, said officers had joined other agencies to tackle people involved in activities that were harmful to communities. She said she hoped they would “soon get the message that they will be identified and targeted”.

Cannabis is a Class B drug in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and large-scale cultivation is an offence. Anyone with information about the Bebington Road property can contact Merseyside Police.