Police raid seizes £100,000 haul of home-grown cannabis

A SUSPECT leapt from a first floor window in a failed bid to evade police who raided a large cannabis ‘factory’ at a house in Roewood Road, Holbury, and seized around £100,000 of the drug.

The complex cultivation facility was discovered when officers executed a search warrant at the semi-detached property yesterday (Tuesday).

A 32-year-old man was apprehended in a neighbouring garden after he jumped from a window as police entered the building, injuring his leg in the process.

He was taken to hospital for treatment, after which, a Hampshire police spokesperson said, he would be questioned on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.

Over 100 plants were seized, along with evidence of previous cultivation of the class B drug and new seedlings.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “It is believed £100,000 worth of cannabis was being grown within the semi-detached house.”

Pictures from the raid were posted on the Waterside Police Twitter account and the Waterside Cops Facebook page.

The Facebook post said: “Waterside team executing warrant at an address in Holbury today to target organised criminal gangs and disrupt drug dealing in the local area.

“Large cannabis cultivation found on two floors of house with extensive set-up. Over 100 cannabis plants seized with evidence of previous cultivation of drugs and new seedlings at premises being brought on.

“Male arrested after jumping from first floor window in attempt to escape police, detained in neighbouring garden and taken to hospital with injuries to feet caused by jump.

“Case now being investigated by CID in Southampton.”

The post also called on people to come forward if they know of anyone dealing drugs across the Waterside and New Forest areas to help officers “target criminals who make money in your communities out of others’ misery”.

Police are also calling on residents to be vigilant and look out for any signs that a cannabis production facility could be in operation in their neighbourhood.

Among the factors that could indicate such activity are a strong, sickly smell, constantly covered or blacked out windows; and suspicious equipment being delivered to properties.

Landlords are also urged to look out for things such as damp in property’s walls and peeling wallpaper as extra condensation could indicate the inside has been turned into a makeshift greenhouse.

Anyone with information about drug-related or suspicious activity should contact Hampshire police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.