POLICE have uncovered three illegal cannabis farms on quiet residential streets in Andover.

Hampshire Constabulary raided properties on King George Road, May Tree Road and Silver Birch Road in the past week and arrested two men. 

Photographs taken at the scene show how the houses were hollowed out of all furnishings to make way for enormous plants, estimated to be worth around £250,000.

Andover police said the farms of the illegal Class B drug, found on neighbouring streets, were thought to be linked.

Two were arrested during the searches, including a 21-year-old man. He has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

A 31-year-old man from Essex was found in the house in Silver Birch Road and was arrested on suspicion of a drug production offence. He has since been released without charge but remains detained under immigration powers. 

Inspector Chris Taylor said production of cannabis on this scale is often linked to organised crime and hidden harm.

He said: “These gangs take advantage of vulnerable people, exploiting them or making them work in servitude in squalid conditions.”

You can read the full story in this week's paper. Also in this week’s edition:

  • A Kimpton man took his own life after he “couldn’t be the man he wanted to be” due to health concerns, an inquest has head.
  • An Appleshaw woman has said that volunteering with a veterans group has ‘put light in her eyes’ as she called on north Hampshire residents to support its fundraising.
  • Test Valley Borough Councillors have approved plans to vote through a £2.50 council tax rise despite an attempt to reduce it to the rate of inflation.
  • Stockbridge residents have said that the sale of an affordable home in the town is “depriving people in need”.
  • Councillors have agreed to a round table on the Andover Special Expenses Levy and its future following a motion being brought.
  • A tourist attraction in Middle Wallop is appealing for support after losing £86,000 as a result of lockdown restrictions.
  • An Andover GP surgery has said that patient and staff satisfaction has “gone through the roof” since it was saved from closure last year.
  • A school in Stockbridge has launched a charity challenge to raise money for the organisation which provided them with their beloved wellbeing dog.
  • PLUS: Two pages of YOUR letters
  • PICTURES: Andover in bloom
  • An eight-page puzzle special
  • Two pages of entertainment news
  • Two pages of sports news
  • And much, much more
  • Out now! Just 90p

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