Retired Officer Discovers Cannabis Factory in Her Own Home

A retired police officer in East Belfast was shocked to find a cannabis factory operating in her vacant property on November 5, 2025. The woman, who had left the house on Maymount Street in disrepair after previous tenants, discovered the alarming situation when she attempted to carry out repairs.

After entering through a back alley, she was immediately met with a strong smell of cannabis. Upon entering the house, she was astonished to find nearly every room filled with cannabis plants. A man, who was found sleeping in a shed at the rear of the property, fled the scene as she entered. Neighbours reported that they had frequently seen this individual visiting the property.

The house, which had been unoccupied for a couple of years, was intended to be refurbished. The retired officer had believed it was secure, having even used nails to reinforce the front door. However, she was taken aback to discover that the locks had been changed and new blinds hung in the windows.

Extent of the Operation Revealed

Upon further inspection, the former officer noticed significant damage throughout the property. Holes had been drilled into the floors, ceilings, and chimney to accommodate ventilation systems for the cannabis plants. She expressed her frustration at the situation, noting that the damage left her with a substantial electricity bill.

In an interview with Belfast Live, she stated, “The house has been wrecked by what they have done… I would imagine that this is linked to organised crime and human trafficking.” She expressed concerns about the police’s investigation, suggesting that more proactive measures should be taken.

Police Inspector Connolly confirmed that officers received a report around 11:30 AM on the day of the discovery. He stated that officers carried out a search of the property, uncovering more than 40 cannabis plants in the two upstairs bedrooms, an additional 50 cannabis plants in the attic, and approximately 40 plants in the living room, along with various drug-related paraphernalia. No one was present during the police search.

Inspector Connolly appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to contact the police non-emergency number, quoting reference number 564 of 05/11/25.

Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation

The discovery has raised alarm within the local community about the prevalence of such activities. The retired officer noted that this is not an isolated incident, as she has learned that similar operations are becoming increasingly common, often linked to short-term rental properties.

The officer’s concerns about the investigation’s pace reflect a broader worry about how law enforcement handles such cases. She feels that there is a lack of urgency in addressing the potential links to organized crime, which could involve more serious criminal activities.

As the investigation continues, the retired officer hopes for a more thorough response from authorities, emphasizing the need for action against the growing issue of cannabis cultivation in residential areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities dealing with the impact of drug-related crime.