A CANNABIS factory was discovered when police raided a Portishead property.

Officers carried out warrants at two houses in Southmead and one in Portishead, which resulted in thousands of pounds worth of cannabis being seized.

They found 16 plants ready to be cropped at the property in Slade Road, Portishead, as well as six plants, a dustbin full of freshly cut plants, several mobile phones and large amounts of cash at the Bristol properties.

One man was arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries and another man has been cautioned after admitting personal use of cannabis.

PC Lee Paterson, beat manager in Southmead, said: “It was thanks to one of our observant PCSOs who spotted the signs of the cannabis factories at the two properties in Southmead while out on foot patrol, that we were able to obtain warrants and this led us to the third address in Portishead.

“These factories, often set up with sophisticated hydroponics equipment, are dangerous and the associated crime and antisocial behaviour that go with the cultivation of these drugs is detrimental to the community.”

Today’s (Wed) raids were carried out by local neighbourhood police officers alongside specialist team Operation Beacon, which is tasked with tackling crime and antisocial behaviour related to street level dealing and drug production.

Anyone with any information on drugs supply in their area is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.