British police recently searched for what they believed to be a cannabis plantation. However, officials were surprised when they discovered it was a bitcoin mining system.
The operation took place in an industrial building on the outskirts of Birmingham. Authorities also found that the system was using large amounts of electricity illegally.
If you think you’ve seen all of this in the tech world, believe me there are still plenty of surprises for humans. The recent situation in the UK is proof of that.
Police are looking to seize the cannabis, but it is a bitcoin mine
Police in the West Midlands of England were surprised to find that they believed it was a cannabis plantation, after all, a cryptocurrency mining project for bitcoin.
According to CNBC, British authorities are going to search a building located in an industrial area with the suspicion that it is a closed system cannabis plantation. Instead, however, the West Midlands Police stumbled upon a large facility with more than 100 Antminar S9 ASICs for bitcoin mining.
The digital currency mining system illegally consumes a large amount of energy from one power source. Officials said the facility was stealing "thousands of pounds" of electricity.
Antiminer S9 is found at ASIC Bitcoin Mining
Prior to the police intervention, officers saw several people entering and leaving the building. In addition, ventilation and several longer cables were also found. A drone was also able to detect high levels of heat leaving the scene.
In other words, because indoor cannabis plantations use lighting, heating and ventilation for cultivation, the British considered these plants to be "classic signs" of illegal exploitation.
But in reality it is a powerful system with hundreds of bitcoin mining equipment to generate more heat. So, the authorities close the place because he is illegally stealing energy from the power grid.
It is estimated that thousands of euros worth of equipment were confiscated, but none of the prisoners.
“Certified food fanatic. Extreme internet guru. Gamer. Evil beeraholic. Zombie ninja. Problem solver. Unapologetic alcohol lover.”
More Stories
In the United Kingdom, nearly 15,000 companies have committed to a “decent” wage.
The US reduced the number of licenses granted to the UK and Australia by 80% under the AUKUS agreement
United Kingdom. Bones discovered by amateurs helped identify the largest marine reptile