February 3, 2010
Police Smash Hockliffe Drugs Factory
Bedfordshire Police smashed another cannabis factory and arrested a man following an operation yesterday (Tuesday, February 2).
Officers from the Central Bedfordshire Tactical Tasking Team executed a warrant at an address in Watling Street, Hockliffe, and found a room containing 50 mature cannabis plants.
A large amount of cash was also found at the property which has been seized by officers under the proceeds of crime act.
Officers found hydroponics equipment, the windows covered in heat reflective foil and the electricity supply to the property being tampered with rendering it a danger. A qualified electrician had to be called to make the property safe.
The man in his fifties was discovered hiding in the loft of the house. He was arrested on suspicion of Cultivating Cannabis, taken to Dunstable Police Station and later released on police bail to March 30 (Tuesday).
Police Sergeant Steve Gorman, of the Central Bedfordshire Tactical Tasking Team, said: “This operation sends out a clear message that drugs, and the cultivation of drugs, will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire.
“Bedfordshire Police is committed to the fight against drugs and those involved in producing, selling or using them can expect to find us knocking at their door.”
“The key to combating drugs is public support and we would like to thank members of the public for the information which allowed this operation to be such a success. We continue to urge the public to support the police in the fight against illegal substances and would ask them to contact officers with any suspicions they may have.”
Clues a property may be used for the cultivation of cannabis include permanently drawn curtains or blinds, strong smells and different people visiting.
Anyone with information about drugs can speak to their local Safer Neighbourhood Team, contact police, in confidence, on 01234 841212, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or text information to 07786 200011.
