Maldon: More than 400 cannabis plants discovered at St Lawrence property
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Officers discovered a substantial cannabis grow containing more than 400 plants after executing a warrant at a house in St Lawrence.
At just after 11am this morning, Tuesday 21 November, members of Maldon Town Team, Chelmsford and Maldon Community Policing Team, and the Dog Section, entered an address on a quiet cul-de-sac under Section 8 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Several rooms had been converted to grow the plants, with heat lamps, blackout blinds and ventilation equipment installed.
Nobody was at the house although it appeared to have been recently lived in.
Sergeant Matt Dalby of Maldon Town Team said: “This is an excellent result as the property contained a significant number of plants.
“Drugs ruin lives and damage communities and the team will continue to target those who are profiting from this illegal trade. We are sending out a very clear message to drug dealers - it will not be tolerated.
“The production of cannabis feeds into a bigger network of criminality and exploitation linked to illegal immigration and forced labour, with people often put to work and made to live in terrible conditions.
“Stopping the criminals behind the growth and sale of cannabis is vital in tackling violent crime and helps keep local communities safe.”
Local residents had reported suspicious activity and the smell of cannabis coming from the property in St Lawrence and Sgt Dalby encouraged people to contact the police if they see something that concerns them.
He said: “Community intelligence is extremely important to us. If any members of the public suspect someone is growing cannabis or there is crime and drug dealing taking place, report it to us. If you tell us, we will act.”
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