Raid on 400 sq ft flat uncovers cannabis farm
A marijuana farm inside a 400 sq ft flat was raided by police yesterday, with HK$520,000 of cannabis seized and two Vietnamese women arrested.
A home-made ventilation system had been set up to dispel the plants' strong smell, a police officer said.
"All the windows were closed and covered with paper in an apparent move to prevent outsiders from looking in," the officer added. Initial investigations showed the farm had been operating for about six months.
The officer said: "The plants could have produced more than 5kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of HK$520,000.
"We believe the finished products were for local consumption."
Cannabis leaves and buds from the fully grown plants would be taken to an unknown place for processing and packaging, according to the officer.
The Kowloon West regional crime unit raided the unit after receiving a tip-off.
The two women arrested in the flat were aged 36 and 42 and both held Hong Kong identity cards.
Both suspects were being held for questioning last night and neither had been charged.
According to police, 55kg of cannabis was seized last year, compared with 46kg in 2011 and 11kg in 2010.