Police discovered a cannabis 'factory' in Bexley Road

Police have uncovered a cannabis factory of more than 100 plants in Northumberland Heath during a drugs raid on a first floor flat.

Detectives found the collection of young and mature cannabis plants when they carried out a drugs search warrant at the flat in Bexley Road today together with experts from EDF Energy.

Police said two rooms inside the flat were being used to grow the plants with thousands of pounds worth of sophisticated hydroponics equipment. They are appealing for anyone who might have spotted, vehicles outside the flat, or people coming and going, especially at night.

EDF staff also discovered that electricity had been dangerously bypassed to get the power needed for the equipment used in the production of the drug.

Sergeant Jason Murphy, from Northumberland Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We are committed to reducing offences relating to drug supply and this seizure will have a significant impact on the community.

“We are following some significant leads to trace the people responsible and bring them to justice.”

Police also urged people to be on the look out for tell tale signs that buildings are used as cannabis factories.

Give away clues can be constantly covered windows, condensation on windows, a strong pungent smell of the drug, tampered electrical wiring and new occupants carrying large amounts of fittings, fans, ducting together with large amounts of plant pots and bags of compost.

The plants will be destroyed.