£1 million cannabis factory uncovered in Fen Drayton
Police discovered over 1,000 cannabis plants in two neighbouring houses following public reports and charged four men with production offences
Police have charged four men after uncovering a cannabis factory worth more than £1 million in Fen Drayton.
Neighbourhood officers attended two properties on Mill Road on Tuesday morning after receiving information and concerns from the public. Inside the two five-bedroom houses, police discovered over 1,000 cannabis plants spread across 18 rooms, along with growing equipment, cash, and mobile phones.
Two men were found hiding in a cupboard on the top floor of one house, while two others attempted to flee from officers at the second property.
The men – Nam Nguyen Van, 20, Phao Nguyen, 39, Thao Hoang, 44, and Ban Hoang, 50, all of no fixed address – have been charged with production of cannabis. They are due to appear at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court today (9 January).
Neighbourhood Inspector Colin Norden described the shocking state of the properties: “On the outside, these two properties look like lovely family homes in a quiet village. The insides tell a completely different story, once two designer homes destroyed with windows boarded, holes in walls, doors removed and cabling everywhere to create a sophisticated cannabis production.”
Inspector Norden also highlighted the wider impact of such illegal activity: “Growing and selling cannabis is not only illegal but can also generate funds for gangs to use in other criminal enterprises. We will continue to disrupt drug-dealing networks and stop criminals making money from the illegal drugs trade, and we continue to ask for the community’s support in doing this.”
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant for signs of cannabis factories, which can include:
Frequent visitors to a property at unsocial hours
Blacked-out windows or excessive condensation
Bright lights at night
Tampered electricity meters or new cabling
Strong, sweet-smelling aromas or noise from fans
Large quantities of plant pots, fertilisers, and chemicals
Anyone with information about potential cannabis factories or drug dealing is encouraged to contact police online or by calling 101.