Arrests made after over 1,000 cannabis plants found in Chigwell

Five people have been arrested and more than 1,000 cannabis plants found after officers executed a warrant at an address in Chigwell.

Officers searched multiple buildings at an address in Gravel Lane on the morning of Friday.

Two have subsequently been charged.

Sergeant Neil Ross, of Epping Forest Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“Large‑scale cannabis production like this is not a victimless crime. These operations are often linked to organised criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people and fuel wider violence and harm within our communities.

“This was a well‑planned operation by officers, targeting a significant and industrial‑scale set‑up. By disrupting this site, we have removed a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation and struck directly at the criminal infrastructure behind it.

“We will continue to take decisive action against those involved in the production and supply of drugs, using intelligence‑led policing to protect our communities and prevent the exploitation that so often sits behind these crimes.”