Drugs squad shuts down more cannabis farms after five simultaneous raids in Northampton

Swoops on Ecton Brook properties following tip-offs from locals
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Police raided FIVE Northampton addresses yesterday morning, Thursday, in a massive operation to shut down more cannabis farms in the town.

Drugs squad officers swooped on all five properties simultaneously in the Ecton Brook area, following on from two major finds in Semilong and Cliftonville this week — all following tip-offs from locals.

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Officers seized quantities of cannabis plants in various stages of growth from three of the properties.

A man and a woman, both aged 24, were arrested on suspicion of cultivating drugs and have been released under investigation.

Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Beth Curlett, who led Thursday's five raids in the Ecton Brook area said “We will continue to target those people responsible for bringing controlled drugs to our county.

“I want to appeal again to any members of the public who suspect that there are drug dealers or cannabis grows in their neighbourhoods.

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“Many residents might be in two minds about contacting the police, but I offer reassurance that we will treat information in the strictest confidence.

Police uncovered a huge cannabis farm in Semilong on Wednesday. Photo: Northamptonshire PolicePolice uncovered a huge cannabis farm in Semilong on Wednesday. Photo: Northamptonshire Police
Police uncovered a huge cannabis farm in Semilong on Wednesday. Photo: Northamptonshire Police

"If you think there might be a cannabis farm next door, please let us know. We can easily establish if that is the case or not.”

Officers also raided a property in Lower Hester Street, Semilong, on Wednesday (July 8) and discovering more than 300 plants worth an estimated £128,000.

A man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis after trying to escape across the roofs of houses.

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And on Monday (July 6), officers uncovered a cannabis farm with worth around £500,000 of plants after raiding a commercial property in Upper Thrift Street in the town.

Local drugs squad detectives have not stopped since our investigation detailed a crackdown on cannabis farms around the county.

Cops seized around £750,000-worth of plants in raids on ten properties inside two weeks in a series of swoops in Northampton, Daventry Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Rushden and Irthlingborough.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman added: "Anyone with any information about cannabis factories in their area can call us on 101, report it online at www.northants.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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