Cannabis trade 'explosion' causing surge in gun violence, police warn

Merseyside police chief calls for tougher punishments as trade in drug found to be driving up gang-related violence
The Guardian (UK)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012

cannabis-plantsPenalties for growing and selling cannabis must be toughened because a surge in the trade is driving up shootings and gang-related violence, a senior police officer has warned. According to Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward of Merseyside police, an "explosion" in cannabis production has resulted in bitter struggles between rival gangs keen to exploit the ease by which cannabis can be manufactured and what they regard as easy money.

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