A CANNABIS production factory with drugs worth more than £150,000 has been discovered in an underground bunker on the edge of Sedgemoor.
The set-up was uncovered during a police operation in West Bagborough, about ten miles west of Bridgwater, last week.
Officers executed the warrant as part of Operation Viscount, which tackles drug production in Somerset.
Police found more than 100 cannabis plants hidden in underground bunkers concealed by caravans and made three arrests at the scene.
Speaking after Thursday’s raid, DC Andy Coole said: “This was a very sophisticated set-up and a highly-organised production site.
“We have recovered plants with an estimated street value of more than £100,000 per crop. We will continue our work in tackling drugs throughout Somerset.”
The caravans were found within a wooden fenced compound in a field and contained trap doors with ladders leading to growing rooms within four shipping containers.
Residents of West Bagborough re-acted with shock to the news. Craig King said: “I’m surprised there’s som-ething going on in our village. It’s a lovely quiet place and I wouldn’t expect anything like this to happen.”
James Chapple added: “I used to play cricket up there and I am stunned to see a bust take place there.
“It’s such a quiet spot – you just don’t expect things like that to be bubbling away beneath the surface.”
Three men – aged 48, 50 and 39 – were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, abstracting electricity and money laundering. They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
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