A LARGE number of cannabis plants have been seized after a police raid on a village property.

The plants were located in a number of bedrooms after a warrant was executed in Itchen Avenue, Bishopstoke, yesterday afternoon.

A man was also found who then retreated to the loft and refused to cooperate.

A 36-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug.

He remains in custody at this time.

An investigation has now been launched but police stressed there is no wider risk to the community.

The raid comes after information was submitted to police by members of the community who were concerned about drug-related activity in the area.

Chief Inspector, Marcus Cator, said: “We are aware that local residents will think, it’s just a bit of cannabis and that this is not a big issue, but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.

"Large scale operations like this are often run by organised crime gangs. Those gangs are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms.

“It is not just a bit of cannabis, it’s linked to serious criminality.

"That’s why we are really keen to hear from people who suspect there is cannabis cultivation or drug related activity going on their neighbourhood."

Almost 2,000 cannabis plants were also seized in a seperate incident yesterday at two Southampton properties.

It was estimated that the plants were worth over £3.8m.