Cannabis trade linked with increased gang violence and gun crime

Paul Nuttall, UKIP North West MEP says: "Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Andy Wards, has hit the nail on the head after linking the growth of the cannabis trade in the North West with an increase in gang violence and gun crime.

"Sentences for cannabis, a Class B drug, are far too lenient, providing cultivators and dealers with an opportunity to take the risk of getting involved with the drugs trade knowing that if caught, their punishment will be light compared to other drugs.

"With more than 5,000 cannabis factories discovered in the region in the last three years, it is clear that without appropriate sentencing, gang involvement in cannabis, and the violence associated with it, will only increase.

"Cannabis growing and supplying is big business for gangs who are making a fortune out of the addiction and dependency of others.

"I agree with Mr Wards’ view that sentences for those involved in the cannabis trade should be made a lot tougher to discourage would-be criminals from getting involved in the first place."