VIDEO: Cannabis factory found in Small Dole

The Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the Mackley Industrial Estate, Henfield Road, Small Dole, where around 1,000 plants were recovered with an estimated value of around £500,000.

Police have arrested and bailed until April 25 a 33-year-old woman, from Burgess Hill, a 40-year-old Brighton man and a 55-year-old man from Hove, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said.

Inspector Clare McKnight said: “The police acted on information provided by our local community, and recovered a significant amount of cannabis.

“Drugs have a devastating effect on a wide variety of people and the police in Horsham are committed to holding those to account who are involved with illegal drugs.

“Anyone who has any concerns of information about the use of drugs or drug dealings within their local community can contact Sussex Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

This is just one of a number of successful warrants which have been executed at addresses across the district in the space of a week.

A significant amount of crack, heroin and cocaine has been seized after police raided four addresses in Horsham last Thursday (January 24).

Around 50 officers from across Sussex swooped on homes in Honeysuckle Walk, Heatherleigh Court and South Holmes Road.

Six people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said.

Stolen property was also recovered and seized along with the Class A drugs, said the police.

Inspector Clare McKnight said: “This large scale operation in Horsham has resulted in a significant step forward in our quest against drug supply in our communities.”

Sussex Police executed four warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the locations in Roffey and Horsham town centre. The inspector explained: “We will continue in our initiatives against the battle of drug dealing and drug taking as it has a huge impact on the community. A lot of work has gone into this day of action and has involved many policing resources.”

Police officers were drafted in from Crawley, Gatwick and Brighton to take part in the carefully planned operation.

Thursday’s action came as a result of information supplied to the police by members of the public, which has been praised by police.

“I would like to thank the residents who provided us with information,” continued Inspector McKnight. “Drugs have a large impact on many many people within the community, and is often linked to other crime such as burglary and theft. Anyone who has any concerns of information about the use of drugs or drug dealings within their local community can contact Sussex Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “A 22-year-old woman, a 31-year-old man and a 26-year-old man have all been bailed until April 2 pending further enquiries. A 20-year-old man, a 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman have all been bailed until March 21 pending further enquiries.”