Cannabis farm with 'around 600 plants' unearthed by police near Preston city centre

Officers executed a warrant at a premises near Church Street after members of the public reported "a strange smell" emanating from the area.

Images released by police today (December 17) show a sophisticated cannabis farm was uncovered, with officers reporting the set-up contained around 600 fully mature plants.

No arrests have been reported but police have confirmed an investigation is underway.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "If you have been doing your Christmas shopping in Preston City Centre recently you may have noticed a strange smell around Church Street.

"Following concerns raised by shoppers and shopkeepers, Preston Neighbourhood Task Force have located a substantial cannabis cultivation consisting of around six hundred mature adult plants. An investigation into this cultivation is now underway.

"Thank you to everyone who has wished us a happy Christmas over the past couple of days whilst we've been in the area, and to those who have raised concerns regarding cannabis odours on the high street."

If you wish to report any issues in you area, you can via the Constabulary website, CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or by emailing the Preston Neighbourhood Taskforce on [email protected].

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