POLICE have seized hundreds of cannabis plants from a suspected cannabis factory in Odiham.

A warrant was executed at the property in Potbridge, at around 4pm on November 17.

Around 180 plants were recovered but no arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

A police spokesperson said: "We know that a lot people will think it’s just a bit of cannabis - but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

"Large scale operations like this are often run by organised crime gangs. Those gangs are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms.

"They may also take advantage of vulnerable people, exploiting them or making them work in servitude."

Hampshire Constabulary also emphasised the "huge fire risk" that comes with growing the vast amount of cannabis.
"The electrical requirement to grow this many plants is also really dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives in danger.
"It is not just a bit of cannabis, it’s linked to serious criminality.

"That’s why we are really keen to hear from people who suspect there is cannabis cultivation or drug related activity going on their neighbourhood.
"Every call you make to us is logged and helps us build up an intelligence picture about what might be happening in your community. This allows us to take action and prevent your neighbourhoods from harm."

If you can help, call 101 or go to www.hampshire.police.uk to make a report online.

Alternatively you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.