by Alan Quick

POLICE officers from Crediton and Cullompton seized 20 cannabis plants, cash and a number of weapons, including an unlicenced shotgun, from a property at Shobrooke at about 4.45pm on Tuesday, January 5.

A search warrant was obtained under the Misuse of Drugs Act by Devon and Cornwall Police officers.

Officers used specialist equipment to gain entry to the premises and on entering found the cannabis plants being cultivated and a large number of plastic containers full of cannabis “bush”, which police say, had an approximate street value of £10,000.

A large quantity of cash in bank notes along with three unlicenced firearms and ammunition were also seized from the property as evidence.

The occupant of the address was not present when officers initially entered the premises but returned shortly afterwards.

The 38-year-old male, who is local to the area, was subsequently arrested for drug and firearms offences and conveyed to Exeter Custody centre.

He was interviewed and placed on bail until Wednesday, March 2, for further enquiries and investigation to take place.

Police Seargeant Dave MacFadden, the neighbourhood Team Leader for Crediton and Cullompton said: “This is another great example of where community intelligence is vitally important to us and the rest of our communities.

“I would like to personally thank those members of our community who gave us the information, which lead to us executing this positive warrant.

“This allowed officers from Response, CID and Neighbourhood, lead by PS Chris Pusey, to be able to act swiftly and decisively with positive results.

“With the evidence that was located at the scene it would suggest that the suspect was doing this for financial gain and not for his own personal use.

“It also allowed us to take unlicenced and dangerous firearms and ammunition out of potential general circulation.

“We will continue to act in this positive manner, to prevent and detect crime and to protect the vulnerable.

“I believe we have the support of our communities behind us and hopefully they will continue to support us in the fight against all crime. If anyone has any information in relation to any criminal activity I would urge them to make contact with us by using the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] or telephone 101 or use the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111, which is anonymous.

Police Sergeant Chris Pusey, on social media, thanked fellow police officers for their “top work” during the police operation.