Cannabis factory worth £1.7 million found in Leatherhead
Over 1,000 plants were found inside industrial-scale operation on Randalls Way.
A large-scale cannabis factory with a street value estimated at more than £1.7 million has been found in Leatherhead after members of the public reported a strong smell coming from a building.
Police attended the site on Randalls Way on Monday 20th October, uncovering over 1,000 cannabis plants as well as makeshift living quarters inside the property. A police scene guard remains in place while officers continue their investigation and dismantle the set-up.
PC Ewan Keen from Mole Valley Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This is a great result in seizing these plants and making sure they do not get sold on our streets. We found over 1,000 plants, as well as living quarters.
“These cannabis factories can be a huge risk and can cause fires, which in a residential location, could cause serious damage. In addition, we often find evidence of modern-day slavery at these locations. Only by taking robust action can we safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society.”
He added, “We continue to work to identify and dismantle organised crime networks and drugs coming into Surrey. We are grateful to the information provided by the community which led to this discovery and urge anyone with more information that will help with our investigation to come forward.”
Officers said information from the public was crucial in exposing the large-scale operation and encouraged anyone who suspects drug activity in their area to report it, either directly to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Advice was also issued on what signs might indicate drug dealing, such as frequent short visits to a property at all times of day, visitors exchanging small packages or cash, or lone neighbours suddenly sharing their home with groups of young people.
The police say they rely on community information to build a picture of suspicious activity and are keen to hear from anyone who can help with ongoing enquiries.