Two arrested after cannabis plants found

Colin Adwent

TWO people are on police bail after cannabis was found growing in a field near Stowmarket.

Officers discovered between 100-200 plants being cultivated under a canopy in Finningham.

Seven officers from Stowmarket raided Moon Lane Farm in Walsham Road just before 7.30am yesterday .

They found the Class B drugs under clear polythene in the field.

The semi-circular polytunnel was estimated to be around 20ft by 10ft in size.

Inside the tunnel used to insulate the drugs was a gap down the centre with plants growing on either side of it.

Although the exact age of the crop was not known, it is believed it could have been ready for harvesting as early as this week.

Sergeant Neil Paterson, of Stowmarket's Safer Neighbourhood Team, said samples would be taken from the scene for analysis, while the remaining leaves were bagged up.

Anything which is not being used as evidence by the investigation team, was taken by van to Suffolk police headquarters in Martlesham, to be destroyed.

The two suspects arrested by police in connection with the drug cultivation were taken to Bury St Edmunds police station for questioning.

Police said one was a 57-year-old woman, the other was a 48-year-old man. Both are from the Finningham area.

The pair were released on bail later in the day and must return to Bury St Edmunds police station on August 4.

Meanwhile, as part of National Tackling Drugs week, police are urging landlords to play their part in preventing gangs from setting up cannabis factories.

Last year, 21 cannabis factories were discovered across Suffolk.

Often gangs arrange to have homes in residential areas converted to produce drugs.

A guide for landlords called 'Keeping Illegal Drugs Out of Rental Properties' is available from Suffolk police. It gives useful information and advice to property owners.

Copies of the guide are available either via the Suffolk Constabulary website www.suffolk.police.uk or by contacting Robin Pivett on 01473 613500.