Lanarkshire tradesman locked up for huge cannabis factory next door to cop shop

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A self-employed plasterer has been locked up after a large scale cannabis cultivation was found in a building directly across the street from Wishaw police station.Officers seized 118 plants, worth more than £70,000, from the Stewarton Street property.Hamilton Sheriff Court heard today (Friday) that Paul McCann was caught red-handed with the keys and fainted when detained by the police.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android McCann, 41, of Buller Crescent, Blantyre, admitted producing cannabis and being concerned in the supply of the drug.Abby Seal, prosecuting, said he was seen putting power drills in the back of a Ford Transit van outside the building on June 18, 2020.Ms Seal told the court: "Police officers detected a strong smell of cannabis and detained him."As they walked towards the premises, the accused became extremely nervous and fainted."Officers opened the door and could smell cannabis and hear fans running."During a search 118 cannabis plants were found as well as 99 cannabis seedlings."The accused's phone was examined and revealed conversations involving equipment for the premises."There would have been a substantial financial outlay to obtain items such as duct tape, fans, bags of pebbles and cooling tubes."The estimated cost of the equipment found is £23,000."Specialist officers say it