Police raid on Loughton cannabis factory comes too late - crop already harvested

A POLICE bust on a cannabis factory came too late as the 200 plants had already been harvested of their crop.

Officers were called shortly before 1.50pm on Wednesday July 8, to a rented property in Alderton Hall Lane, Loughton. An Essex Police spokesman said: "Up to 200 plants were found and hydroponic equipment has been found. The plants had already been harvested. "Cannabis growing is not a victim-less crime as the production of illegal drugs is closely associated with violence and the exploitation of vulnerable people. "We urge anyone who sees any signs of cannabis cultivation in their communities to please contact us so we can take action." Anyone with information about this cannabis factory, or concerns about drug dealing and production elsewhere, is asked to call the Loughton local policing team on 101 or report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online You can also contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org