Police discover cannabis farm while investigating break-in

Police officers investigating a break-in at an address in Clackmannanshire discovered a cannabis cultivation worth £200,000 in a neighbouring property.

Officers received a report of the break-in at an address in Schawpark, Sauchie, at about 4am on Monday.

Two men aged 46 and 21 were arrested and charged after being traced in a vehicle nearby.

While officers were carrying out their inquiries, a cannabis cultivation consisting of 179 plants was found in a neighbouring property, which officers said had an estimated street value of £200,000.

Police said inquiries are continuing to identify those responsible.

Chief Inspector Kat Thompson, Clackmannanshire local area commander, said: “Tackling drugs remains one of our top priorities.

“This recovery highlights our commitment to tackling this type of criminality and eradicating drugs from our communities.

“In this cultivation, the electricity meter was bypassed.

“This creates significant danger for neighbouring properties and members of the public and could have led to a fire.

“Not only is there an impact on our communities because of the criminality and public safety aspect but there is also an impact on other energy consumers in the community to absorb costs.

“My officers and I rely on support from the community to identify this type of criminality and I encourage anyone with information or concerns about drugs to get in touch with us.”