Police officers are guarding a house in central Swindon this morning after the discovery of a cannabis factory.
Police were called to Beatrice Street at approximately 2.25am this morning regarding concerns relating to suspicious vehicles in the area and activity in a nearby alleyway.
Officers attended the scene and found evidence of cultivation of cannabis at an address.
Two women, aged 17 and 37, and three men – two aged 19 and one aged 29 – have been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and money laundering. They are currently in custody in Swindon for questioning.
Sgt David Tippetts said: “This was excellent work involving both officers and members of the public who initially reported concerns.
“We have already conducted a number of enquiries and have arrested five people on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis, as well as money laundering due to a number of high value vehicles found at the address.
“There is often a common misconception of cannabis amongst the public and I know many people believe it to be a harmless drug. However, cannabis is an illegal drug and those who use and supply it will often be associated with other crimes and this can impact greatly on a community.”
