Five people have been arrested following the discovery of a large-scale operation on the Westminster Road industrial estate, cultivating what is believed to be cannabis plants.
Officers from Dorset Police executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at premises on the morning of Wednesday 1st February 2023.
Five men in police custody
At the industrial unit, following further searches, a suspected firearm was also recovered.
Five men – aged 24, 25, 32, 33 and 51 – were arrested on suspicion of cultivating a class B drug and possessing a firearm without a certificate and they remain in police custody.
“A police cordon remains in place”
Detective chief inspector Julie Howe, of Dorset County CID, said:
“Officers responded dynamically to information received and this has resulted in us uncovering what is suspected to be a large-scale drug cultivation operation.
“A police cordon remains in place and there will continue to be an increased police presence in the vicinity as the site is cleared and further enquiries are carried out. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.
“We will continue to do all we can to tackle the suspected supply of illegal drugs in our communities and ensure those reported to be involved are dealt with robustly.”
Similar incident in 2019
In a separate case, a cannabis factory was discovered on the Sandford Lane industrial estate near Wareham in December 2019, after a tip off from a member of the public.
Three men were later jailed.
