£1 million worth of cannabis plants seized by police in North Somerset
Avon and Somerset Police carried out a warrant at a disused pub in Weston-super-Mare - two people have been arrested
Last updated 13th Jul 2023
Two people have been arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in their latest Misuse of Drugs Act warrant tackling drugs in the region.
They say a large number of cannabis plants have been seized at a disused pub in Weston-Super-Mare, with a street value totalling £1 million.
A 16-year-old boy and A 41-year-old man have been arrested by officers, and remain in police custody following the early-morning raid at about 9am yesterday (July 12).
Around 900 plants were found at the property, which we're told is located on the high street - with concerns raised by Chief Inspector Jonathan Murray over organised crime, extortion and modern slavery.
He added cases like this are a 'greater link' to other types of crimes taking place in the community.
The warrant was executed following reports and intelligence received from members of the community that drugs may be being cultivated at the address.
In a video shared on Avon and Somerset Police social media, Chief Inspector Jonathan Murray added: "We found over £1 million worth of cannabis plants, and the amount of harm that can cause in terms of organised crime and violence, intimidation, extortion - it's not just the cannabis, it's that greater link into other organised crime and modern day slavery, and there's certainly evidence and indications that modern slavery and exploitation is involved.
"My team in the North Somerset neighbourhood are listening to the communtiy.
"We've received information and intelligence from the community that there may be drugs cultivated at this address, and that's why we sought a warrant from the courts.
"Cannabis grows like this are undoubtedly linked to organised crime within the community, and Avon and Somerset is about listening to the community and protecting our community - and that's why we're here today."
This warrant follows a targeted operation run by police forces across the South West focused on disrupting cannabis factories linked to organised crime groups. Avon and Somerset Police seized an estimated £3.25 million of cannabis during the operation, arrested 20 people in connection to the illegal drug activity, and seized a number of weapons.
Some key signs to spot a property being used as a cannabis factory are:
- Frequent visitors to a property 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
Anyone with any information or concerns about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing can contact Avon and Somerset Police. In the case of an emergency or crime that is currently taking place, always call 999.
Alternatively, people can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
You can report a crime on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
Read more: Millions of pounds of cannabis seized in joint regional operation