Police find dozens of dope farms

POLICE have discovered 26 cannabis farms with more than 100 plants being grown during the last three years, new figures have revealed.

A total of eight cultivations with more than 100 plants were found between January and the end of October in the force area.

Eighteen such farms were discovered during last year and ten during 2009.

Only 11 of these large-scale cultivations were found between October 2006 and December 2008.

The biggest farm identified by Lothian and Borders Police contained 1531 plants growing the drug.

The farms with more than 100 plants have been found in locations including Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Gorebridge, Haddington, Kirknewton, Livingston, Longniddry, Penicuik, Prestonpans and Tranent.

Gangsters from China, Malaysia and Vietnam are said to be behind the majority of cannabis-growing operations in the Lothians.

Despite the cannabis farms being based in the Lothians, police believe much of the drugs produced are intended to be sold in England or Glasgow.