FIREFIGHTERS uncovered a cannabis factory after being called there to put out a blaze.

They made the discovery in Polsteads, Vange, after they were called in by police who were investigating a suspected burglary.

They stopped a car, which had been reported as suspicious, but while talking to the driver they noticed smoke billowing out from the window of the house.

Firefighters attended and discovered the property, which is privately rented, was being used to farm the Class B drug cannabis.

It is thought an intruder may have disturbed some of the powerful electronic equipment, which is used to help grow the plant, and caused the fire.

The house had a sophisticated set-up which saw the upstairs filled with hydroponic lamps and watering systems.

The discovery comes just days after police unearthed another cannabis factory in nearby Hereford Walk, on Basildon’s Craylands estate.

Officers found more than 100 cannabis plants worth between £30,000 and £50,000.

Echo

Related Posts

  • October 7, 2012 -- Bench and phonebox used for drug dealing
    The bench outside the parade of shops in the area known locally as Stacey’s Corner - at the junction of Gibcracks and Timberlog Lane - in Basildon has become a regular haunt by those involved in the sale and purchase of drugs. Dealers are known to re...
  • January 1, 2012 -- Man charged after off road chase
    A MAN is due in court after allegedly stealing a truck which smashed into a car showroom after a police chase. John Beaney, 52, of Oak Road, Crays Hill, is charged in connection with an incident in which a stolen vehicle struck a police car and crash...
  • September 7, 2011 -- Travellers pitch up at Festival Leisure Park
    A GROUP of Irish travellers set up a makeshift camp in Basildon yesterday afternoon. Eleven caravans were spotted near Festival Leisure Park yesterday afternoon. The group, from Sligo in Ireland, said they were on their holidays and had broken dow...