POLICE have continued their crackdown on drugs after seizing 46 fully grown cannabis plants worth £14,000 in a raid in west Dorset.

Bridport police, lead by Sergeant Geraint Butler, confiscated 46 fully grown cannabis plants from a “remote rural location” near Burton Bradstock yesterday.

Officers said the plants were cultivated in a “well thought out and purpose built” plantation. The largest plants were about four feet tall and experts estimate the cost of the haul is about £14,000.

Police have described the operation as an 'excellent result' and are pleased the cannabis was seized before it was harvested to be sold.

No-one has been arrested, but officers believe they are closing in on the offenders.

Bridport Police Inspector Mike Darby said: “This is another excellent result by Bridport Safer Neighbourhood Team in preventing drugs circulating in west Dorset. 

“Sadly for the growers it would appear we have just beaten them to the mark by nipping this in the bud and harvesting the cannabis before them. We know in the rural area that annually these plantations are set up and we regularly discover them. 

“I have no doubt the same people are cultivating these plantations every year and it’s only a matter of time before we arrest them and prosecute for these significant offences.”

Last week, officers carried out a series of raids in Bridport as they attempted to stop 'gangs' operating in the town.

Officers from Bridport Safer Neighbourhood Team also chased three men in Askers Meadow last week who were suspected of carrying out a drugs deal.

Insp Darby has also thanked people for their 'essential' help in continuing to stamp out drugs crime in west Dorset.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

46 fully grown cannabis plants were seized

He said: "I would like to really thank the numerous members of the public who have been and are continuing to assist us in targetting this criminality as your help is essential in us being able to arrest and prosecute these offenders.

"It is only down to the fantastic help and assistance of the community that allows us to act decisively in these matters."