Increase in cannabis farm raids

Many cannabis farms are run by immigrant gangs

The number of cannabis factories raided by police in Scotland has increased sharply, according to figures obtained by BBC Scotland.

Strathclyde Police said the rise was partly due to a rise in the number of calls to the Crimestoppers phone line.

The force raided 49 farms in the past six months, an increase from 12 in the previous year.

A spokesman said cannabis farming was often run by immigrant gangs associated with people smuggling.

The number of cannabis farms raided by police across the UK since April is already double the number in 2004/05.

Grampian Police have discovered nine cannabis factories since April. The force had not previously found any such operations.

Strathclyde Police launched Operation League, an intelligence-led campaign, late last year.

Calls from the public increased dramatically earlier this year after its work was publicised.