Police have uncovered a cannabis factory estimated to be worth over a million pounds hidden inside a nightclub in Bedford town centre.
A warrant executed at the premises in Mill Street shortly after 10am this morning (Tuesday) led to the discovery of thousands of cannabis plants across multiple floors, including an additional self-built level.
Officers are now working to dismantle the site, with the plants, estimated at a value of more than £1 million, being seized alongside specialist growing equipment.
An investigation has been launched by the force’s Drug Focus Desk, a specialist unit dedicated to investigating the most complex and high-level drug supply cases.
Detective Inspector, Ally Whitworth said: “We must not underestimate the threat posed by illegal drug production and supply – especially at this scale.
“These operations are driven by organised criminal networks that fuel violence, exploitation and serious crime, using drug profits to fund further illegal and harmful activity.
“Beyond this criminality, the operations themselves create significant safety hazards and attract antisocial behaviour, with damaging effects rippling throughout our communities.
“We will keep targeting and dismantling these operations and cutting off criminal profits, and we continue to seek the support of our communities and our partners in this effort.”
Some key signs to spot a building could be being used as a cannabis factory include:
- Frequent visitors at unsocial hours throughout the day and night.
- Blacked out windows or condensation on the windows, even when it is not cold outside.
- Bright lights in rooms throughout the night.
- Electricity meters being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting. High electricity bills could also be an indicator.
- A powerful, distinctive, sweet, sickly aroma and noise from fans.
- Lots of work or deliveries of equipment to an address, particularly those associated with growing plants indoors without soil such as heaters and lighting.
- An excessive amount of plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers and compost.
Anyone with information about a potential cannabis factory or drug supply is asked to report online at beds.police.uk/ro/report or call police on 101.
