Investigation launched as cannabis factory discovered in Southsea

We are investigating following the discovery of a cannabis factory in Southsea.

 

We were called at 2.40am on Monday (7 August) to a report that three men had been seen entering an address on St Augustine Road via a rear window.

 

Officers arrived at the property a short time later and discovered approximately 100 cannabis plants inside the address. There were no people present at the time of police attendance.

 

Officers remained at the scene while the property was made safe, alongside our colleagues from SSE.

 

An investigation into this discovery is underway and enquiries are ongoing.

 

We know that many people think it is just a bit of cannabis, but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.


Large-scale operations are often run by organised crime gangs, who are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms.


The electrical requirement to grow this many plants is also really dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger.


We encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in your neighbourhood to police, as the information you provide helps us develop the bigger picture that leads us to take action and remove drugs from the streets.


People can contact us on 101 or online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/


Anyone with information regarding this specific incident should quote reference 44230317144.