Police release video footage of raid on large cannabis factory in city centre

Police executed a search warrant in the early hours of Monday at the building in Winchester city centre and arrested a 54-year-old man.

A large cannabis factory in the middle of Winchester city centre (Hampshire Police/PA) (PA Media)

Police have released video footage of a raid on a large cannabis factory in the middle of Winchester city centre.

Officers executed a search warrant in the early hours of Monday at the building in Upper Brook Street in the Hampshire city and arrested a 54-year-old man.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: “Inside, officers discovered a large number of cannabis plants at various stages of growth.

“A scene remains in place while officers determine the exact scale of the production and number of plants. The plants will be seized and destroyed.

“As part of our inquiries, a 54-year-old man from Winchester has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B.

“He remains in custody while our inquiries continue.”

Inspector Matt Kirby said: “We will continue to investigate what we have found today to bring those responsible to justice.

“The reason why we take this kind of thing so seriously is because any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

“Large-scale operations are often run by organised crime groups, who are often connected to very serious violence.

“The electrical equipment and building modifications needed to grow this many plants is also incredibly dangerous and can be a huge fire risk.

“We encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in your area 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.

“Finally, we are very aware that our actions took place in a busy city centre. We have tried to minimise disruption as much as possible, and we would like to thank the local community for their patience.”