More than 200 cannabis plants uncovered
Two people have been arrested after more than 200 cannabis
plants were uncovered at three separate hydroponic set ups
throughout Essex this week.
A total of 118 plants were discovered at an industrial unit on
Thursday, April 14, 2011 when officers executed a search warrant on
Swan Vale Industrial Estate in Witham.
No one has been arrested but enquiries are continuing.
Pc Steve Walker said: “When we got inside we discovered a
purpose built cannabis factory with full hydroponics set up built
into the unit itself.
“The message has to be if we find out criminals are cultivating
cannabis in Essex we’ll come after you.”
On the same day police executed a warrant at an address in
Wickford Place, Pitsea.
Inside approximately 77
plants and a hydroponics set up were uncovered and seized by
police.
A 43-year-old man from Pitsea has been arrested on suspicion of
cultivation of cannabis and is currently being questioned in police
custody.
Pc Dan McHugh, of the Pitsea neighbourhood policing team, said: “We
executed a warrant as a result of information received by the
community.
“Drug use and supply blights our communities, and can bring with
it a whole other host of problems for residents, so we are keen to
stamp it out.”
On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, officers in Laindon uncovered a
cannabis cultivation set up during a routine visit to an address in
Shepeshall with St Georges Community Housing Anti-social Behaviour
Team.
They smelt cannabis and uncovered a small hydroponic set up with
around seven plants.
A 42-year-old man from Laindon was arrested on suspicion of
cultivation of cannabis. He has been released on police bail,
pending further enquiries, until Friday, June 17, 2011.
Pc Leigh Day, neighbourhood constable for Lee Chapel North,
said: "We often work in partnership with St Georges and visit
residents if they are experiencing any problems or causing any
problems for the community.
“If you have any crime concerns in your area, then let us know
and we will deal with those suspected of committing crime
robustly.”
If you have any concerns about crime in your area, please call
police on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555
111.
Photo:Pc Josh Anderson and Pc Leigh Day with cannabis
plants seized in Laindon
