Police uncover cannabis factory estimated to be worth over a million pounds inside Bedford nightclub
Officers are now working to dismantle the site, with the plants being seized alongside specialist growing equipment.
Bedfordshire Police have uncovered a cannabis factory estimated to be worth over a million pounds hidden inside a nightclub in Bedford town centre.
A warrant executed at the premises in Mill Street shortly after 10am Tuesday (3 September) morning led to the discovery of thousands of cannabis plants across multiple floors, including an additional self-built level.
An investigation has been launched by the force’s Drug Focus Desk, a specialist unit dedicated to investigating the most complex and high-level drug supply cases.
Police have said some key signs to spot a building could be being used as a cannabis factory include:
- Frequent visitors at unsocial hours throughout the day and night.
- Blacked out windows or condensation on the windows, even when it is not cold outside.
- Bright lights in rooms throughout the night.
- Electricity meters being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting. High electricity bills could also be an indicator.
- A powerful, distinctive, sweet, sickly aroma and noise from fans.
- Lots of work or deliveries of equipment to an address, particularly those associated with growing plants indoors without soil such as heaters and lighting.
- An excessive amount of plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers and compost.