Criminals Donate To Paignton Zoo

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Equipment confiscated by the police during drugs raids is being donated to Paignton Zoo Environmental Park.

When police officers from the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary raided properties being used as a cannabis factory in Plymouth they seized compost, lights, light fittings, fans and fertiliser. They had the idea of donating these items to charities that could make good use of them.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Curator of Plants and Gardens Kevin Frediani said: “We are very grateful to the police for thinking of us when it came to recycling these items. It is good quality equipment, as the criminals are interested in both the quantity and quality of plants they grow. We are very happy to be able to turn these things to a more honest purpose.”

“We have been given a quantity of grow lights and fans and a significant amount of bagged compost and liquid fertilisers - the donation is worth several thousand pounds. The equipment can be put to good use growing good quality ornamental and tropical plants here for the public and our animals to enjoy.”

All items with any sort of cannabis contamination were destroyed by the police, along with used pots, compost and any whole plants.

DC Mike Bradley, Devon and Cornwall’s drugs intelligence officer, said "I have seen many house in recent times that have been badly damaged by criminals intent on making a large profit. Not only this, but the add-on effect of fifty 600w light bulbs being on for at least 12 hours a day causes environmental issues - and they don’t paying for the electricity either. To see some good coming out of these criminal activities is fantastic.”

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.