Police have uncovered a large cannabis factory hidden in an abandoned chicken unit, where criminals cultivated drugs worth £500,000. The site, located near the village of Burbage in Wiltshire, housed over 1,500 plants, making it one of the largest farms ever discovered in the area. Authorities estimated that the operation illegally drew around £1.5 million worth of electricity from the national grid.
The cannabis farm, measuring 60m x 12m, was found by a member of the public on July 17. Engineers are working to dismantle the hazardous electricity supply connected to the site. Wiltshire Police shared a video showcasing the extensive drug factory, equipped with living quarters and approximately 1,300 plants in various stages of growth.
The living space within the barn included bedding, a toilet, and a kitchen complete with a stove, sink, and washing machine. Detective Sergeant Joe Shanklin described the facility as the area where the criminals resided and prepared their meals. Authorities highlighted that the cannabis operation had adequate ventilation, power supply, and water, indicating a significant setup.
Detective Sergeant Shanklin, involved in the operation, emphasized the scale of the factory, mentioning that while similar setups had been encountered before, this one was notably substantial. Disassembling the operation safely, in collaboration with utility companies, would be a time-consuming process due to its remote location.
Wiltshire Police stated that efforts were underway to catalogue and remove the equipment and drug plants from the site, with plans to relocate and destroy the cannabis. Although no arrests had been made, an investigation had been initiated. Detective Sergeant Shanklin detailed the sophisticated setup, highlighting the illegal electricity connection from the national grid, numerous living spaces within the barn, and the operation’s longevity.
Authorities urged the public to report any suspicions of illegal drug activities in their vicinity to law enforcement. Reports can be made through the police hotline or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
