Today in Focus Finding a cannabis farm in your house
Mar 10, 2025
Sirin Kale, a Guardian feature writer, uncovers the dark realities of illegal cannabis farms and the criminal networks behind them. Kinta Jackson shares her personal story of how her father's home was turned into a cannabis farm by a rogue letting agency. They delve into shocking tales of hidden damage, exploitation, and the lack of local law enforcement response. The discussion highlights the sophistication of rental scams and the broader implications of this hidden crisis, revealing a disturbing intersection of crime and community.
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Cannabis Farm Discovery
- Kinta Jackson's father, Hadjaj, rented his house through Imperial Letting Agency.
- After a severe COVID illness, he discovered the property had been converted into a cannabis farm, causing extensive damage.
Hidden in Plain Sight
- Cannabis farms can operate unnoticed in residential areas.
- Kinta was shocked by the scale of the operation on a main road, unnoticed by neighbors.
Unresponsive Authorities
- Kinta's attempts to report the crime were unsuccessful.
- Authorities like the police, Action Fraud, and her MP were unresponsive, leaving her feeling helpless.