A POLICE drugs raid has uncovered a greenhouse stuffed with fully grown cannabis plants worth thousands of pounds.

Neighbourhood police along with two armed response officers executed a warrant at a house in Poplar Avenue, Pinehurst, but found no trace of the class B drug indoors.

It was only when PCSOs stationed outside to guard the back door noticed the greenhouse in the back garden that the cannabis plants were found and seized.

A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis following the raid at 2pm on Friday.

He was taken to Gable-cross police station for questioning before being released on bail.

Community beat manager for Gorse Hill PC Stacey McGarry, who led the raid, said: “We had some intelligence on the address and acted upon it swiftly to execute a warrant at the address.

“We found seven fully grown cannabis plants in a greenhouse in the rear garden of the property but found no trace of drugs inside.

“It appears to have been ready to go and had we been just a couple of days later it may have meant we would not have found it.

“A PCSO posted out the back of the house spotted the greenhouse and suggested I take a look.

“When I opened the door the plants sprang out at me – it was completely packed.

“There was also the lighting and heating elements typical of a cannabis cultivation operation.

“A seizure that size is estimated to be a substantial amount of money so it is a very good find.

“The householders returned as we were searching the address and we arrested a man on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis.”

PC McGarry thanked the community for their support in curbing illegal drugs in the town.

She said: “We welcome all information from the public and it is always helpful.

“We are determined to act on the intelligence we get. The community is vital in providing that.”

Anyone with any information on illicit drug activity should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.