A POLICE chief is appealing for the public to help them crack down on drugs factories in residential areas by alerting them to suspicious activity.

The plea comes after the arrest of two men at a house in Long Melford where police discovered 120 cannabis plants and drug-making equipment.

Inspector Paul Crick, from the Babergh Neighbourhood Team, said: “These premises are a danger not only because of the drugs that are grown will then be sold on our streets, but also because the premises themselves can potentially be a hazard.

“It is often the case that the electricity supply has been tapped into by these criminals, with exposed wiring to bypass the meter.”

Seven police officers uncovered the drug factory after raiding a house in St Catherines Road shortly after 2pm last Thursday.

Police arrested a 23-year-old from Long Melford and a 33-year-old from the Sudbury area. Both were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Station for further questioning and released on bail to return on July 1.

“Cannabis factories are often detected after suspicions are raised by members of the local community,” said Insp Crick.

“We are appealing for help in cracking down on this illegal practice. Anyone who suspects a cannabis factory in their community should call us immediately.”

Suffolk police have issued the following tips to identify a drug factory:

n The windows of the property are permanently covered;

n Visits occur at unusual times of the day and night;

n People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them;

n Vents often protrude through the roof or rear windows;

n Pungent smells;

n Noise coming from equipment such as cooling fans;

n A large amount of lights and pots may be moved in when the factory is set up;

n And in terraced housing shared walls may appear wet to the touch.

Anyone with information on drug factories should call the police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.