Two cannabis factories raided in villages near Bedford

Yesterday morning (Thursday), officers carried out a warrant on an address in Foxhedge Way, Sharnbrook.

As a result, more than 100 suspected cannabis plants were taken from the scene by police.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of drug cultivating and remains in police custody for questioning.

Just a day earlier on Wednesday, January 13, another raid was carried out at a suspected cannabis factory in Thurleigh Road, Bolnhurst, where three men were arrested and cannabis was seized.

Subsequently, three men have been charged with cultivating drug offences and remanded in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Louisa Glynn said: “Drugs underpin much of the violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour which blights our communities.

“Organised criminal gangs use drugs as their main source of income, and growing and selling cannabis is a key part of this business model.

"It is relatively cheap to produce and there are thousands of customers in Bedfordshire alone to sell to. Research suggests that around 59 million is spent on cannabis by drug users in the county every year.

“We have noticed a definite pattern emerging where dealing cannabis is a gateway for children to start committing crime.

"Many of these children we come across are not even in their teens yet.

“As a force we will continue to target those responsible for this type of criminality. We also rely on our communities supporting us in the fight against organised crime, by submitting information and flagging any suspicious behaviour. Together, we can help keep Bedfordshire safe.”