Police have smashed a huge cannabis factory in the heart of Ipswich, confiscating at least half a million pounds worth of the illicit drug.
Two men have been charged after Suffolk Constabulary raided the 13-room factory on Friday, February 14.
A total of 1,500 cannabis plants were discovered in the property; a large detached house in Henley Road.
When police carried out a warrant there at 10am on Friday morning they found every room packed with cannabis plants. Officers have spent the weekend gathering evidence and removing the plants and equipment from the property.
A 21-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were both been arrested on Friday on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.
The pair have been named as Blerim Mema and Graci Fekolari, both of Henley Road, Ipswich. They have been charged with production of cannabis and abstraction of electricity and appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Saturday, February 15.
Yesterday Inspector Sarsfield Donohue said: “This was a very significant cannabis factory. Early estimates suggest the amount of drugs that have been found would have a street value of at least half a million pounds. It is certainly one of the largest factories discovered in the county and we’re pleased that it has now been shut down.
“If anyone suspects that a property near them is being used to cultivate cannabis then please contact police immediately on 101.”
Police are reminding people of the possible signs of a cannabis factory in their area: lighting and ventilation equipment; covered up or blocked up windows; comings and goings to a property at all hours; strong lighting day and night; high levels of heat and condensation i.e. windows constantly misted up; the constant buzz of ventilation; the strong sickly smell given off by cannabis plant; lots of power cables that could possibly link up to lamp posts so that they don’t have to pay for the large amounts of electricity they use.
If you suspect there is one near you please phone us on 101 or alternatively you can call crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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