LIVES are being put at risk by people running cannabis factories across Bournemouth and Poole, police have warned.

At the weekend a blaze broke out in a house in Charminster which is believed to have been caused by the sophisticated heating and lighting system that had been installed in the house to grow hundreds of cannabis plants.

The semi-detached house in Cyril Road caught fire on Sunday morning and fire crews battled to stop it from spreading to other nearby houses.

Inside they discovered four rooms and the loft space were being used to grow cannabis.

Now police have urged the public to be vigilant and shop anyone they believe to be involved in the production of illegal drugs such as cannabis.

Superintendent Stuart Katon said: "Most people are aware of the health risks associated with taking illegal drugs.

"However, the fire in Cyril Road demonstrates the dangers involved in drug production.

"Individuals producing illegal substances are not only putting themselves at risk they are potentially increasing the risk of harm to other members of the community.

"Dorset Police will not tolerate the use of any premises for unlawful drug activity and we are determined to identify those responsible for this cannabis factory."

A number of cannabis factories have been closed by police in Bournemouth and Poole already this year as part of Operation Dismantle, which aims to tackle drug supply and reduce drug-related crime.

The police, supported by the Daily Echo, are encouraging members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour which suggests that a premises may be being used for unlawful drug activity.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service group manager Tim Spring highlighted the danger of people setting up cannabis factories and tampering with electricity when not qualified to do so.

He said the combination of water and electricity being used to grow the drug was a "natural hazard".

"This is a very dangerous practice and where properties join others and are unoccupied, fires can easily spread and remain undetected. This, in turn, might lead to a fire death or injury, which we are trying to reduce in the county."

7:00pm Tuesday 19th February 2008

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