Cannabis factory discovered in Basingstoke

Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of a cannabis factory in Basingstoke.

They say they were called at 12.44pm on Monday (10 August) after a cannabis grow site had been located inside a property on Normanton Road, Oakridge.

A spokesperson said:

"Officers attended the scene and located more than 100 cannabis plants in various stages of growth, lighting systems and cultivating and electrical equipment.

"We remained at the address while our colleagues from SSE made sure that the electrics were safe. No one was located inside the building, however our enquiries into the discovery are currently ongoing.

"Large-scale operations are often run by organised crime gangs, who are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms.

"The electrical requirement to grow a large number of plants is also dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger."

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