Albanian drug gangs are infiltrating every corner of Scotland, prompting calls for energy companies to help combat this growing crime wave.
Edinburgh: It’s getting pretty wild in Scotland with Albanian drug gangs setting up shop everywhere. They’re turning homes and empty buildings into cannabis farms, and it’s a real problem.
These operations are raking in millions, and the courts are seeing a steady stream of cases. It’s like a never-ending cycle of busts, with gang members getting caught left and right.
They’re not just growing any old weed either; we’re talking about potent “skunk” that can be worth a fortune. And guess what? They’re stealing electricity to power these farms, which is costing the national grid big time.
Graeme Pearson, a former top cop, is scratching his head wondering why energy companies aren’t stepping up to help tackle this issue. He thinks they should be on the lookout for unusual spikes in electricity use, especially in empty buildings.
When these places suddenly start using a ton of power, it should raise some red flags. But it seems like no one is paying attention, and that’s a big problem.
In court, many of the Albanian “gardeners” claim they were trafficked to Scotland, but some are just part of the organized crime scene. It’s a tangled web, and it’s growing every day.
There are hundreds of these secret farms operating daily, and the profits are huge. Each plant can be worth around £1,000, which is a serious incentive for these gangs.
Pearson has been trying to get energy companies involved in this fight for years. He believes that with today’s technology, they should be able to track these spikes in usage and alert the authorities.
He’s frustrated that when an empty building suddenly starts using industrial levels of electricity, nobody seems to notice. It’s like a huge oversight that needs to change.
He’s calling for a serious discussion on how to get energy companies to work with law enforcement. If they can track domestic usage, they should be able to do the same for criminal operations.
These cannabis farms are not just a nuisance; they’re costing taxpayers a fortune in policing. The money made from these operations is being funneled back to Albania, building a new economy there.
It’s a cycle that’s hurting communities in Scotland while enriching organized crime in Albania. Pearson warns that this is destabilizing our neighborhoods.
Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur is on board with using tech to fight back. He knows these gangs are savvy and that law enforcement needs to stay one step ahead.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott is also sounding the alarm. He says these drug operations are dangerous and often found in derelict buildings, creating hazardous conditions.
Signs of cannabis cultivation include strange smells, frequent visitors, and excessive lighting. Landlords are being urged to keep an eye on their utility bills for any unusual spikes.
It’s a tough battle, but the community needs to stay alert and work together to tackle this growing issue. The stakes are high, and everyone has a role to play.
