A POLICE raid today discovered a cannabis factory at a property on a main road in Eastleigh.

Officers executed a warrant in Southampton Road at about 9am this morning (July 28), revealing 80 to 100 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.

Taking part were officers from Eastleigh’s High Harm Team, alongside support from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Electricity provider SSE has been told and is investigating to ensure that the property, and those surrounding it, remain safe.

Local police community support officers have been conducting reassurance patrols in the area and talking with residents via house-to-house enquiries.

No arrests have been made, but police enquiries remain ongoing – so people may see an increased police presence in the area today.

A police spokesman said: "We know that many people think it is just a bit of cannabis, but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

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

"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.

"We encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in your neighbourhood to police, as the information you provide helps us develop the bigger picture that leads us to take action and remove drugs from the streets."

 

 

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