A huge underground cannabis factory has been uncovered during a drugs raid involving police from Burnham-On-Sea.
Officers made the discovery after a Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant was executed on farmland near Shipham, as pictured here.
A cannabis factory, complete with hydroponics equipment and running water, was found buried under soil.
Approximately 130 cannabis plants, thought to be worth approximately £130,000, and the equipment used for cultivation, were seized during the raid on Friday.
A 45-year-old woman has been arrested for the production of a controlled drug and has been bailed until April, pending further investigations.
Those responsible for the factory had tapped into the main power supply of a nearby building and Western Power Distribution attended with police to disconnect the wiring.
Inspector Roger Tolley from Burnham Police told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We were alerted to the potential cannabis factory by the community. The public are our eyes and ears, and information regarding suspected illegal activity is absolutely vital in helping us combat crime.”
“We use a variety of methods to prevent and detect crime but community intelligence still remains one of the most effective weapons we have in targeting criminals.”
“I want to encourage people to keep talking to us, we do listen and we do take action – as Friday’s warrant demonstrates.”
During the raid last Friday, the police helicopter was used to provide images from a thermal imaging camera, which confirmed a heat source from the site and the footprint of the concealed containers under the soil.
If you have information about suspected criminal activity, call the new 101 number or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
