Kent Police have successfully dismantled a multi-site drug operation in Ashford, seizing more than 200 cannabis plants during a series of targeted raids.
The month-long crackdown was spearheaded by neighbourhood policing officers who executed three separate warrants in the southern part of the town following community reports of suspected drug production.
The operation began on Friday 17 April when officers discovered 56 plants at a residence in Southbourne. This was followed by a second search on Tuesday 5 May at a property in Marmion Way, which yielded an additional 52 plants. The most significant discovery occurred on Monday 11 May in Newlands, where police confiscated 94 plants along with specialized cultivation equipment.
Investigating officers are currently working to determine if the three properties were part of a linked criminal network. Ongoing enquiries are focused on identifying the individuals responsible for the cultivations, and no arrests have been confirmed at this stage of the investigation.
Detective Inspector Simon Johnson, of Ashford Community Safety Unit, said:
‘While working with the community in this part of Ashford, we’ve listened to residents’ concerns about drug dealing.
‘For that reason, we will continue to disrupt such activity to keep people safe from the knock-on violence and antisocial behaviour that comes with this illegal trade.
‘I urge anyone who believes drugs are being produced or dealt in their area to report it to police so we can take action.’