A ‘highly sophisticated’ cannabis farm, thought to be one of the largest ever uncovered in Wiltshire, has been discovered in a disused poultry unit near Burbage.
More than 1,500 cultivated plants, with an estimated street value of £500,000, were found in the agricultural unit.
Detectives estimate that approximately £1.5m-worth of electricity was drawn from the national grid to power the illegal enterprise.
Det Sgt Joe Shanklin, part of the search team, explained that the 60m x 12m single-storey structure had been expertly modified into a series of internal rooms housing cannabis plants in varying stages of maturity, from seedlings to established bushes.
He added: “The sophisticated set up included electricity illegally drawn directly from the national grid to power hundreds of grow lamps as well as a full irrigation system.
“We have also found signs of a number of people who had been living on site, with bedrooms and cooking facilities within the barn.
"The scale of this operation is significant and appears to have been in place for a substantial period of time.”
Since the factory was discovered by a member of the public, engineers have disconnected the hazardous electricity supply and specialist police search officers have been working methodically to log and remove the plants and equipment.
This is a challenging task, with officers having to wear masks and protective equipment while working in high temperatures under temporary lights,
The recovered cannabis plants will be taken to a facility where they can be safely destroyed.
There were no arrests at the scene but enquiries are ongoing.
A police spokesperson said: "The public are our eyes and ears. If you think that a property near you might be used for illegal drug activity then please report it to us.
"This can be done on 101 or through our website. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
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