TWO separate cannabis farms have been discovered in houses next door to each other after a fire broke out at one of the properties.

“Substantial” farms were revealed after the blaze gutted the upstairs and loft of a semi-detached house containing 120 cannabis plants.

The fire eventually spread to its adjoining property where 12 cannabis plants were being stored in what police have described as a “unconnected farms”.

Emergency services were called to the fire at 11.40pm on Sunday, June 18, as it burned through the two properties on Lansdowne Road, in Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police confirmed that a man was interviewed and cautioned over the dozen marijuana plants exposed amidst the blaze.

No arrests have been made in connection with the 120 plants that are used as a class B drug – the house was empty when emergency services arrived.

Cleveland Police have previously issued warnings over dangerous wiring used to bypass electricity metres that can create a fire hazard and put lives at risk.

Acting Detective Sergeant Sion Prince, of the Cleveland Community Drugs Enforcement Team, said: “The methods used in providing the large amounts of power needed for cannabis farms frequently involves unlawfully diverting the electricity supply, this is usually done by amateurs and causes a very serious fire hazard.

“It is lucky that nobody has been hurt in this latest incident.

“In many of the cannabis farms police deal with, we see danger signs such as scorching marks around the electrical equipment which has been installed for the farm.

“In addition to the electricity there is often a great deal of water and other materials all of which adds to the risks.”

A further fifteen mature cannabis plants were also discovered following a fire in Arundel Road, in the  Grangetown area of Middlesbrough, at 7pm on Thursday, June 15.

A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of production of a class B drug and possession of a class B drug following the find and he has since been released from custody.

Acting Det Sgt Prince added: “The farms are dangerous places and they put the lives of those both inside the address, and in any adjoining properties, at risk.

“If anyone suspects that there is a cannabis farm in a property nearby or if a property may be used to store or supply drugs, please contact police.”

  • Anyone with information on drugs activity in their area can contact Cleveland Police via non-emergency number 101.
  • Alternatively, contact the Cleveland Drugs Enforcement Team confidential line on 0800-929702.