ONE of the largest cannabis grows ever discovered in Wiltshire has been uncovered inside a disused poultry unit near Burbage.
More than 1,500 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of around £500,000, were found growing inside the agricultural building after it was discovered by a member of the public on Friday (July 17).
Detectives believe around £1.5 million worth of electricity had been illegally drawn from the national grid to power the sophisticated operation.
The 60m by 12m building had been converted into a series of growing rooms containing cannabis plants at various stages of maturity, from seedlings to fully-grown bushes.
Police also found evidence that several people had been living inside the unit, with makeshift bedrooms and cooking facilities discovered during searches.
Detective Sergeant Joe Shanklin said: "The sophisticated set up included electricity illegally drawn directly from the national grid to power hundreds of grow lamps as well as a full irrigation system.
"We have also found signs of a number of people who had been living on site, with bedrooms and cooking facilities within the barn. The scale of this operation is significant and appears to have been in place for a substantial period of time."
Since the discovery, engineers have disconnected the dangerous electricity supply while specialist police search officers have been working to remove the plants and equipment.
The cannabis will now be destroyed at a specialist facility.
No arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.
Wiltshire Police is urging anyone who suspects a property is being used for illegal drug activity to report it by calling 101, through its website or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Photos Wiltshire Police
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