EQUIPMENT seized by police in cannabis raids is to be shipped out to Africa to help poor people rebuild their lives.
EQUIPMENT seized by police in cannabis raids is to be shipped out to Africa to help poor people rebuild their lives.
The haul of pots, tools, fans and lamps used for growing cannabis plants was seized by police when they shut down a series of drugs factories.
Now £200,000 worth is being handed over to a Glasgow charity.
Glasgow The Caring City revealed it would use the pots and gardening tools to help African communities create market gardens to grow vegetables and provide sustainable food supplies.
And fans and lamps will be used in hospitals to give better lighting and to cool down overheated wards.
Charity leader Neil Galbraith said: "We will use things that have been used for the detriment of society to the betterment of society."
He said they had been approached by the police for advice on what to do with this equipment and immediately came up with an action plan.
"A lot of the stuff has been used for growing marijuana but it is ideal for creating market gardens.
"The idea is to plant small gardens growing vegetables so that communities can become more self-sufficient.
"And the temperature is 110 degrees in some wards so we can use the fans to help cool them down."
Police shut seven cannabis factories in the west of Scotland and around Glasgow in February and March, seizing 2000 plants with a street value of £630,000.
The equipment, which was taken by police thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act, was being handed over today and will be shipped out to African communities immediately.
The deal between the charity and the police won't be the last.
Mr Galbraith said: "This will help five or six projects in Africa but it is not a one-off."
Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Whitelock said: "This is a new direction for the force and the first time the proceeds of crime have been used in such a beneficial way.
"It is heartening that the items seized will be used for such a good cause."
