A huge cannabis factory worth hundreds of thousands of pounds has been discovered in a sleepy seaside resort.
Police seized 161 cannabis plants during a raid under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
They used a battering ram to break into the property and uncovered a sophisticated cannabis growing operation which could have yielded well over £100,000 on the street.
READ MORE: Dad-of-two, 36, due to marry dies at work – police make arrest
Once inside, they discovered a number of rooms had been used to grow and harvest cannabis.
Plants were being dried in preparation for packaging and sale.
The house was near the seafront in Paignton, Devon, as reported by Need To Know.
A 39-year-old local man was arrested in relation to the seized drugs and has since been released on bail while police continue their enquiries.
Devon and Cornwall Police Inspector Pete Giesens said: “Whilst the recent heatwaves have left much of Paignton dry and yellow, our officers managed to locate a large patch of greenery during the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant.
“Cannabis cultivation fuels wider criminal activity, exploiting vulnerable people and causing significant harm to individuals, families and communities.
“We will continue to take action against all of those involved.”
Insp Giesen said initial estimates suggested that the cannabis being grown may have yielded a street value of up to £135,000 following assessment by a Drugs Liaison Officer.
READ MORE: Britain’s longest-running wildfire finally put out after burning for two months
