Cannabis grows discovered in East Herts

Enquiries are continuing after two cannabis factories were discovered in East Herts this week and a drugs warrant was executed in Hertford.

On Wednesday afternoon (17 January), officers from the Rural team received intelligence about suspicious activity at a unit in Stocking Pelham, as well as a strong smell of cannabis.

They attended, alongside colleagues from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) and discovered 133 cannabis plants growing inside. The set up was also causing safety concerns for adjoining businesses and others working nearby.

On Monday evening (15 January), officers in Ware were alerted to a strong smell of cannabis coming from a premise in the High Street.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Team attended and conducted a search. Entry was subsequently gained to a unit and a large cannabis grow, consisting of 539 plants, was discovered inside.

Both sites were made safe before being dismantled and cleared. Enquiries are continuing.

On Friday (12 January), officers from Hertford Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant at an address in the Sele Farm area of the town and a small quantity of cannabis was discovered. A 21-year-old man was interviewed by police and will be summoned to court to answer two charges of possession of Class B drugs.

Neighbourhood Team Inspector Mark Collins said: “These are all excellent examples of how reports from members of the public can make a real difference. Officers were able to quickly act on the information received and a large quantity of drugs have now been removed from our streets.

“Drugs and the criminality often associated with them causes misery and fear among local communities. No one should have to live in this way and we will continue to target those responsible.

“If you have any information, please report it to us. Every call gives us the information we need to build intelligence and take action.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.