£1m worth of cannabis seized in warrant

Cannabis plants with a street value of approximately £1m have been discovered at a disused premises in Wellington town centre.

Officers from Wellington’s Safer Neighbourhood Team made the discovery following the execution of a warrant at the empty business premises in Walker Street at 9.45am on Friday.

They found in excess of a thousand plants spread over multiple floors.

Temporary Sergeant Peter Rigby said: “This was a significant discovery by our neighbourhood officers that will protect the communities of Wellington.

“The impact of the cultivation of cannabis is far more than the supply of drugs. Thousands of pounds worth of electric is stolen to help with the cultivation of the plant and the practice of bypassing the electric meter is often so dangerous that the supply can only be made safe by digging up the road.

“In addition to this, neighbouring properties are put in danger and are at risk of structural damage or fire caused by the criminal activity.”

The public are urged to contact the police by calling 101 or contacting CrimeStoppers should they suspect a building is being used in the cultivation of cannabis.

Two men in their 30s were arrested at the scene and were bailed pending further enquiries. Western Power attended to make the premises safe.