Police find £1m cannabis factory in former discount store

A large cannabis factory has been found inside a former discount store building in Huntingdon town centre.

Neighbourhood officers discovered more than 1,000 cannabis plants across 20 rooms at the former Poundland and Woolworths store, in the High Street, yesterday (21 July) afternoon.

The plants, with a street value of more than £1m, along with growing equipment have been seized.

No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing.

Video footage can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Neighbourhood Inspector Colin Norden said: “Officers were carrying our anti-social behaviour patrols in the town yesterday when they were drawn to the signs of a suspected cannabis factory at the old Poundland store.

“While no arrests have been made at this time, an investigation is ongoing.

“Growing and selling cannabis is not only illegal but can also generate funds for gangs to use in other criminal enterprises.

“We will continue to disrupt drug dealing networks and stop criminals making money from the illegal drugs trade and we continue to ask for the communities support in doing this.”

There are key signs to spot a property that could be being used as a cannabis factory:

• Frequent visitors to a property at unsocial hours throughout the day and night
• Blacked out windows or condensation on the windows, even when it is not cold outside
• Bright lights in rooms throughout the night
• Electricity meters being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting. High electricity bills can also be an indicator
• A powerful, distinctive, sweet, sticky aroma and noise from fans
• An excessive amount of plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers and compost.

Anyone with information about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing should contact police online or call 101.