Wiltshire Police have uncovered what is believed to be one of the largest and most sophisticated cannabis farms ever found in the county. The operation was revealed inside a disused poultry unit near Burbage, containing more than 1,500 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £500,000.
Detective Sergeant Joe Shanklin, part of the investigation team, described the 60-meter by 12-meter single-storey building as extensively converted into several internal rooms for growing cannabis at various growth stages, from seedlings to mature plants.
“The setup was highly advanced,” said Sgt. Shanklin. “Electricity was illegally siphoned directly from the national grid to power hundreds of grow lamps and an irrigation system. We also found evidence that a number of people had been living on-site, with bedrooms and cooking areas inside the barn.”
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Authorities estimate that around £1.5 million worth of electricity was stolen to fuel the operation. After a member of the public reported suspicious activity on July 17, engineers safely disconnected the hazardous electrical supply. Police search teams have since been carefully cataloguing and removing the plants and equipment. Officers are working under challenging conditions, wearing masks and protective gear in the intense heat and artificial lighting.
The seized cannabis plants will be destroyed at a specialized facility. No arrests have been made yet, but investigations continue.
Police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal drug activity by calling 101, visiting the Wiltshire Police website, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.