EIGHT large bags of cannabis have been seized after a raid in a Hampshire village.

Police burst into an address on Gazing Lane, West Wollow at around 4.15pm yesterday after intelligence suggested drugs activity in the area. 

Officers from Romsey Neighbourhood Policing Team found eight large bags of cannabis.

They also found equipment associated with the production of drugs. 

READ MORE: Drug dealer, 66, found with £70k stash in car in Fareham

Three men have been arrested in connection to the cannabis factory. 

A 21-year-old man from Romsey and two men aged 32 and 43, both of no fixed abode, have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of Class B drugs.

All three remain in custody at this time.

Detective Constable Bethan Hastelow from the Western Investigations team said: "We know some people think it’s just a bit of cannabis but the production of drugs is linked to hidden harm and large-scale operations like this are often run by organised crime gangs.

"Those gangs are likely to engage in serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms. They may also take advantage of vulnerable people, exploiting them or making them work in servitude.

"It is also linked to anti-social behaviour, like drug-related activity in your neighbourhood, which can cause misery to local communities.

"That’s why we want to hear from people who suspect there is cannabis cultivation and drugs activity going on in their neighbourhood. Every call helps us build a better intelligence picture and allows us to target our resources and protect communities from harm.

"We also urge landlords to regularly check their properties. We often see dangerous alterations to the structure and electrics of homes that are being used to grow cannabis. This can lead to a significant financial cost to the landlord.

"We want them to check their properties regularly and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible so we can take action."

To make a report, you can call 101 or go to https://www.hampshire.police.uk/.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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