OFFICERS from Basildon's community policing team have carried out a drugs warrant in the town and discovered a cannabis farm.

The raid took place at an industrial unit at Noble Square, Pitsea, at 8.30am on Saturday, 10 February.

Officers forced the door and found more than 350 cannabis plants at various stages of growth and hydroponic equipment and lights.

District Commander Dan Hughes said: "Tackling drugs and drug cultivation is a priority for my teams across the south of Essex and our community can be reassured we will always act on any information received.

Inside the unit.

"We know it's a concern, but today we've stopped over 350 cannabis plants from eventually hitting our streets, causing issues for our residents and businesses through the related anti-social behaviour that drugs bring with them.

"It's thanks to the public and the information that they give us, that we can proactively tackle drug issues so I'd encourage anyone who knows who was involved in this or any other cannabis grows to contact us and we will act upon it."

All the cannabis plants will be destroyed. No one was present at the location and no arrests have been made yet.

Police forced entry to the building

The police investigation continues and a statement from Essex Police says: "If you have any information about who is cultivating or dealing drugs, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on X, formerly Twitter, at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."