Cannabis plants worth £1 million seized in Welwyn Garden City cannabis factory
Officers raided a property in Howardsgate last Tuesday
Last updated 21st Dec 2021
More than a million pounds worth of cannabis plants have been seized after officers uncovered a cannabis factory in Welwyn Garden City last week.
On Tuesday (14 December) officers from the constabulary’s Operational Support Group raided a property in Howardsgate, where they recovered 550 plants, estimated to be valued at £1.1 million. The mains supply for the building had also been tampered with as part of the cultivation.
A 42 year old man from Hatfield was arrested at the scene on suspicion of producing a controlled drug. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Sergeant Paul Brown, from the Operational Support Group, said: “The cannabis factory is being treated as a case of modern slavery and we have been working with the Salvation Army in relation to safeguarding those involved.
“The devastating impact of drugs cannot be underestimated and this case completely highlights that.
“I hope that residents feel reassured to know that we have shut down this cannabis factory. Not only have we put a stop to this criminal activity but the building itself is now no longer a fire and safety hazard.
“Finally, I would like to remind the public that if they have any suspicions about drug dealing, please report it straight away. Every bit of information we receive helps us to build up a picture and take appropriate action.”