Police find more than 300 cannabis plants during house raid

A large cannabis grow was shut down and dismantled after intelligence led neighbourhood officers to a house.

Police had received intelligence that there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the address in Sturton Street, Forest Fields.

The bathroom window was open at the back of the property and hydroponics equipment could be seen inside the house, showing evidence of a cannabis grow within.

Members of the Berridge neighbourhood policing team forced entry into the property. The electrics had all been bypassed so National Grid was called out to make it safe. 

A total of 345 plants were found inside the house, spread across different rooms and in the loft.

The grow was successfully dismantled on Friday morning (16 August) and inquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest a suspect.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Mark Southgate said: “This was a significant cannabis grow so I’m pleased we were able to take it out of action and prevent illegal drugs from hitting our streets.

“We often find that cannabis production is linked to wider organised criminality and can also create issues and dangers for people living in our communities.

"This isn’t just from the crime associated with grows, but also from the risk of catastrophic fires from the bypassed electricity used.

“All of this risk to communities is being created by dealers who only care about making a profit.

“Vulnerable people are also often exploited and forced by organised crime groups to stay at the properties - often in dangerous and unsanitary conditions - to tend to the plants.

"We rely on information from the public to build a picture of where this kind of criminality is happening in our communities, as well as who is responsible.

“I’d urge anyone who believes cannabis is being produced in their neighbourhood to get in touch. Your information could be a vital missing piece of the jigsaw which allows us to take positive action.

“Our investigation into this incident is ongoing, and anyone with any information should call 101, quoting incident number 658 of 15 August 2024, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”