Herb Fellow
New Member
Four people, including an 82-year-old woman, have been arrested over an underground drugs factory where hundreds of cannabis plants were found. The woman, along with three men aged 47, 51 and 58, were arrested on Sunday in the Ansty and Burgess Hill area of West Sussex, police said. The arrests follow the discovery of eight buried shipping containers in Sussex where 300 plants were growing.
All four suspects were interviewed by detectives and released on police bail. Sussex police said the four people were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the production of cannabis and firearms offences.
Searches were carried out at two addresses to collect evidence. Police uncovered the underground cannabis factory in a field after a fire in a caravan at Goddards Green last month.
The whole complex was covered by a layer of earth several feet thick - with just one container and a caravan left above ground. The plants were cultivated using artificial lighting and the gang members could move between the container units, which were inter-connected by ladders and hatches.
Detectives on Monday renewed their appeal for anyone who may have seen or been made aware of the construction of the underground factory to come forward. They said it would have taken a number of people some time and must have involved the use of heavy machinery.
They also want to hear from anybody who may have inadvertently supplied materials to the site or anyone who recalls significant or regular purchases of items necessary for the factory to function such as electrical equipment, fuel, heating equipment or fertiliser.
"There has been an extremely encouraging response from the public to date, with important evidence coming to light," said Det Sgt John Wallace. "We have received a number of calls direct to the police and also via Crimestoppers. I would encourage others to come forward, you may be eligible for a reward."
Source: BBC NEWS
Copyright: 2008, The BBC
Contact: BBC
Website: BBC NEWS | UK | England | Sussex | Woman, 82, in drug factory arrest
All four suspects were interviewed by detectives and released on police bail. Sussex police said the four people were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the production of cannabis and firearms offences.
Searches were carried out at two addresses to collect evidence. Police uncovered the underground cannabis factory in a field after a fire in a caravan at Goddards Green last month.
The whole complex was covered by a layer of earth several feet thick - with just one container and a caravan left above ground. The plants were cultivated using artificial lighting and the gang members could move between the container units, which were inter-connected by ladders and hatches.
Detectives on Monday renewed their appeal for anyone who may have seen or been made aware of the construction of the underground factory to come forward. They said it would have taken a number of people some time and must have involved the use of heavy machinery.
They also want to hear from anybody who may have inadvertently supplied materials to the site or anyone who recalls significant or regular purchases of items necessary for the factory to function such as electrical equipment, fuel, heating equipment or fertiliser.
"There has been an extremely encouraging response from the public to date, with important evidence coming to light," said Det Sgt John Wallace. "We have received a number of calls direct to the police and also via Crimestoppers. I would encourage others to come forward, you may be eligible for a reward."
Source: BBC NEWS
Copyright: 2008, The BBC
Contact: BBC
Website: BBC NEWS | UK | England | Sussex | Woman, 82, in drug factory arrest
