Cannabis factory dismantled in Bedford's Curlew Crescent

Police busted and dismantled a cannabis factory in Curlew Crescent on Tuesday (February 21).

The property had suffered significant damage worth thousands of pounds and one man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug and producing cannabis.

The raid was part of Bedfordshire Police’s ongoing Operation Costello which cracks down on organised crime by uncovering and dismantling cannabis factories in residential areas.

Detective Inspector Nick Gardner from Bedfordshire Police said: “These events highlight the terror and tragedy that runs through every aspect of the illegal drugs trade.

“Be under no illusion. Hardened criminal gangs, involved in some of the most serious and barbaric crimes imaginable, use the production and sale of cannabis as a fundamental part of their business model.

“In every part of this twisted system, there is the threat of violence between rival gangs, children being exploited into becoming street dealers, as well as other vulnerable people being brought here to live in horrendous conditions and man these farms.

“That’s without even considering the huge safety risks, with things like shoddy wiring commonplace in these cannabis operations which puts everyone around them at risk.

“We’ll continue to dismantle these factories and bring those involved in these operations to justice.

“But I would urge our communities across the county to think twice if they think cannabis is ‘just a bit of weed’, consider these wider implications and help us rid these awful criminal gangs from our streets.”

Visit here to spot the signs of organised crimes and report them to police