ALMOST �1million worth of cannabis has been seized and 15 people arrested as the police look to clamp down on drug production.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Operation Viscount has seen 11 warrants executed across the force area in the past week, leading the seizure of 900 plants, worth an estimated �857,000.

The operation has been launched with the aim of disrupting cannabis cultivation across the region.

The 15 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of possession and supply offences, while cash and amphetamines have also been seized by officers.

Drugs strategy manager Paul Bunt said: “This is a great start to our latest campaign. We will be carrying out many more warrants over the coming months to clamp down on cannabis cultivation in Avon and Somerset.

“Operation Viscount should send out a clear message that illegal drugs of any kind will not be tolerated and we will continue to bring offenders to justice.

“The cultivation of cannabis has become a highly profitable illegal business. It also brings with it many potential harms to our communities.”

The force is also urging people to look out for tell-tale signs that a property may be being used as a cannabis factory.

They include windows being permanently covered from the inside, visits at unusual times of the day or night, compost bags or gardening equipment being left outside and pungent smells coming from the premises.

If you have information, contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08005 55111.