Boom in growhouses during pandemic, some linked to trafficking

People trafficking and drug farming are the focus of 'The Day-Crossing Farm' by Marie Brett. It's streaming online as part of Cork Midsummer Festival. See link at the foot of this article. Picture: Jed Niezgoda

A significant spike in cannabis cultivation has led to several hundred growhouses being discovered during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite lockdown — with some linked by gardaí and academics to human trafficking.

According to official figures, since January 1, 120 cannabis cultivation seizures have been made across the country, including 32 in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Clare. Some 14 were discovered across the three garda divisions in Cork City and county.