Arrests made after police raid finds cannabis factory in Waterlooville

The police decided to raid the property after receiving a public tip off about ‘suspicious activity’. Several arrests have now been made and the factory has been ‘closed down’.

Police officers wanted to stress the potential dangers and criminal activity behind all drugs. A statement from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘We know a lot people will think it is just a bit of cannabis, but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

‘Large scale operations like this are often run by organised crime gangs. Those gangs are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms. They may also take advantage of vulnerable people, exploiting them or making them work in servitude.’

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After the success of the last week’s raid, police officers are keen to hear from the public about any other potential drug related activity.

The statement added: ‘It is not just a bit of cannabis, it is linked to serious criminality. That is why we are really keen to hear from people who suspect there is cannabis cultivation or drug-related activity going on in their neighbourhood.

‘Every call you make to us is logged and helps us build up an intelligence picture about what might be happening in your community. This allows us to take action and prevent your neighbourhoods from harm.’

The police also warned about the dangers posed by the electrical equipment used to cultivate the drug which police said can pose a ‘huge fire risk’.

Anyone who has concerns about drug related activity in their area is urged to call 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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