A DRUG addict got a rude awakening when police raided his council house to find him asleep among his cannabis plants.

Acting on information from local residents in Freshbrook, neighbourhood police stormed the house on Thursday and arrested a 32-year-old man.

Officers seized eight cannabis plants and lighting equipment and also confiscated a large knife.

The man, whose name has not been released, was later charged with cultivation of cannabis and will appear before Swindon magistrates at a later date.

PC Stephen Yeates, the community beat manager for West Swindon south, said the living conditions in the house were some of the worst he has seen.

“It was just squalid. The place was trashed and one of the rooms have been fitted with lighting to grow cannabis,” he said.

“We did not suspect a factory – we were expecting it to be a dealer. But when we got in there we found him asleep beside all the plants.

“I would describe it as one of the worst houses I have been in.

“Doors were damaged and not even on their hinges, there was not even a bed, just cannabis plants and the chap was sleeping on a blanket in amongst the cannabis.

“It was accommodation indicative of someone whose life revolves around drugs.

“The man was arrested, charged and is going to magistrates for the offence.”

PC Yeates said police rely on information from the public.

“Local residents have been informing us and the drugs team about this address quite a lot in the past few months,” he said.

“We do act on the information and will also continue to work with Swindon Council to see about cleaning the area up.

“We carried out this warrant as part of a planned week of action in partnership with the council and others but we carry these out regularly, regardless of weeks of action.

“And it was a positive result which we are always happy to see.”

Anyone with concerns or information about drug abuse should contact Swindon Police on 0845 408 7000.

Or, alternatively, Crimestoppers, where information can be left, anonymously on 0800 555 111.