Essex Police raid �300,000 cannabis factory - two arrested
A HUGE haul of cannabis plants has been discovered by Essex Police after a daylight raid on a property in Uttlesford on Friday (May 13).
Three tag teams, of at least 20 officers, swooped on an inconspicuous barn just outside Duton Hill on the B184 at around 1pm, following weeks of surveillance originally sparked by a public tip-off.
Lead officer Pc Rebecca Hawkins described the discovery as the “biggest” bust she has ever been involved with and said she was “delighted with the outcome”.
The barn had blacked out windows and a strong smell emanating from within.
Police found over 1,000 plants - in varying stages of maturity - over two floors, along with a full hydroponics set up and living quarters.
You may also want to watch:
If all the plants found were fully grown, the street market could be as much as �300,000. It is thought the factory had been going for at least six months.
The operation was carefully planned with various aspects of the police force working together to plan and execute the warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Most Read
- 1 Uttlesford Covid case rates decline means they are now the lowest in Essex
- 2 Council row over near £1 million underspend on road repairs
- 3 New Local Plan: 'Housing and transport should be planned together'
- 4 Red engraved gem from iron ring is older than was previously thought
- 5 Essex County Council approves council tax increase
- 6 Housing sites sought by Uttlesford District Council
- 7 Jack Petchey Foundation achievement awards for three Saffron Walden students
- 8 Town council backs new support club
- 9 Two Covid swab kit sites open in Uttlesford
- 10 Care home residents and staff receive Covid-19 vaccine
A specially-trained attack dog was on hand should anyone inside the factory decide to run away upon seeing a police presence.
A 41-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and are currently being interviewed by police.
Chief Insp Alyson Wilson, Uttlesford District Commander, said: “The message from Essex Police is clear and simple: we will not tolerate the cultivation of cannabis in Essex.”
