A CANNABIS factory was raided by police in North Somerset this weekend.

Five arrests were made on Sunday, July 21, after police discovered a cannabis growth at a unit in Wrington, following a call from a member of the public.

Around 600 plants were seized by officers at the site, off Long Lane, which has since been cleared.

The operation resulted in the arrests of five men, aged between 28 and 53, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug.

They have since been released under investigation while the Avon and Somerset Police investigation continues.

Inspector Matt Hawkins, of the Backwell and Wrington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are hugely grateful to the individual who contacted us over the weekend to make us aware of their suspicions.

“Their call has enabled to us to attend the scene and take proactive action to prevent the suspected criminal production of cannabis.

“We’d encourage anyone who suspects illegal activity in their community to please report it to us so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting reference number 5224189310.

Avon and Somerset Police are also advising members of the public to keep an eye out for these key signs to spot a property being used as a cannabis factory:

  • Frequent visitors to a property at unsocial hours throughout the day and night.
  • Blacked out windows or condensation on the windows, even when it is not cold outside.
  • Bright lights in rooms throughout the night.
  • Electricity meters being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting. High electricity bills could also be an indicator.
  • A powerful, distinctive, sweet, sickly aroma and noise from fans.
  • Lots of work or deliveries of equipment to an address, particularly those associated with growing plants indoors without soil such as heaters and lighting.
  • An excessive amount of plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers, and compost.