Cannabis: Britain's Secret Farms (2010)

In 2002, Britain produced 15% of its own cannabis. Today that figure is 90%, and police around the country raid at least three ‘factories’ every day.

Organised gangs, often with links to human trafficking and terrorism, are cashing in on widespread demand for skunk among Britain’s youth by setting up sophisticated factories in suburban homes and disused warehouses. A third of 15 year olds have tried cannabis, and a quarter of young people aged 16-24 smoke it regularly.

In this action-packed hour, presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams journeys beyond the scaremongering headlines to find out the true impact of the UK’s skunk-smoking habit. Rickie accompanies Avon and Somerset police on raids, and rides in a heat-seeking helicopter as it uncovers cannabis farms with hi-tech thermal imaging equipment. He also meets some of the landlords and homeowners horrified to find their ‘tenants’ are really criminal gangs who’ve ripped their property apart.

Rickie's journey includes a trip to Amsterdam and meetings with some of the UK’s 3million smokers, from those who fiercely defend their habit, to others who regret the effect it’s had on their lives.