Organized crime groups in the UK are using vacant commercial properties, like old shops and pubs, to grow cannabis on an industrial scale, according to National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Raids over the past year have uncovered large cannabis farms in various locations including an old toy shop in Ayr, Scotland, and a former bank in Welshpool, Powys.

Newport, South Wales, saw one of the largest busts, where over 3,000 plants worth an estimated two million pounds were found in a former department store.

The rise in these criminal activities is linked to declining high streets and the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many shops empty.

Gwent Police and Newport City Council have teamed up to identify vulnerable buildings while prosecuting landlords and tradespeople who assist these criminal activities.

Indicators of cannabis farms include taped-up windows, bright lights at odd hours, and the presence of tents outside.