by Alan Quick

CREDITON Police officers stumbled across an interesting find when investigating an incident in the town during the morning of Monday, July 25.

The officers were contacted by a landlord who had concerns for the welfare of one of their tenants on the outskirts of Crediton.

Police Constable Dennis, an Exeter Response officer assisted by local officers from Crediton and Cullompton Neighbourhood Teams were let into the property by the landlord.

On searching the premises no-one was found.

However, the officers found a fully functioning Cannabis cultivation taking place.

They then spent the next few hours dismantling the site, seizing the cannabis plants and other evidence.

Police Sgt Dave MacFadden, the Neighbourhood Team Leader, said: “Although we initially responded to an address to carry out a check on someone’s welfare, it was a surprise for the officers to find approximately 20 cannabis plants being grown in one of the bedrooms.

“There was also evidence that another cannabis grow of a similar size had recently been harvested.

“As Police officers, we always try and keep an open mind when attending incidents as you just never know what’s going to happen or what you are going to face when you get there. It is a job like no other.”

He added: “This incident is a timely reminder to us all, that this type of crime doesn’t just happen in big towns or cities.

“We’ve now had a few cannabis cultivations located in our area. I would ask our rural communities to be alert to this crime and if they suspect it is taking place then to make contact with us by email at: [email protected] or: [email protected]  or you can telephone us on 101 or via Crimestoppers which is anonymous on 0800 555111.

“By working together, we will be able to reduce crime and the threat, risk and harm posed by drug abuse.”

The police confirmed that the tenant of the property is currently being investigated for the offence and will be dealt with positively by the local officers.

• On July 11, Mid Devon Police Officers from “C” Section Response and Neighbourhood Officers from Crediton, Cullompton and Tiverton lead by PC Matt Beard, worked together to execute a Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant at an address in Bow.

Officers attended the address at 9.30am and because the occupant of the premises was not at home, officers forced entry using powers contained in the warrant.

On searching the house, approximately 36 cannabis plants were found and seized as evidence.

Immediately afterwards police said the occupier of the house would be dealt with positively at a later date.