This article is from page 10 of the 2006-12-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
SOPHISTICATED cannabis growing equipment has been found in an apartment in Ennis. It is the first of its kind ever seized by gardaí in the county.
The equipment, along with €1,000 worth of cannabis, was found during a search of an apartment in Ennis last Thursday.
A 23-year-old man, who is from the east of the country and who lives in Ennis, was arrested.
He was questioned at Ennis Garda
Station, before being released with out charge later that evening. A file is being prepared for the DPP.
According to gardaí, the equipment found is a purpose-built selfcontained unit and is heat regulated, with timer switches.
It is made from a canvas type material and contains a transformer, a fan and lights.
It is comparable to a shower unit, size-wise and could grow up to 12 cannabis plants at any one time.
Gardaí say they believe it was in use at the apartment for a number of months.
“It would indicate a substantial amount of cannabis was being grown and processed there,” said a Garda source.
“This type of equipment is suitable for conditions indoors, where the heat is regulated,” added the source.
“This is the first time to find a selfcontained unit, with all the equipment, in Clare. Cannabis has been found growing in attics and plants have been found out of doors in the past, but this is an entirely different operation,” he added.