Large cannabis farm found behind disused chinese restaurant: Hastings
(TN34 - Wednesday, 3 August, 2011)

The site, consisting of about 2,000 plants in varying stages of cultivation, was found by police at 3pm on Tuesday 2 August in a tunnel area behind the disused restaurant at White Rock.

They were found as a result of local reports of a smell of cannabis in the area.

Detective Sergeant Paul Sandeman said;

"Early indications are that the plants may have an estimated potential street value of more than £1 million."

The men, aged 68 and 57, and from Hastings, were arrested on suspicion of illegal cultivation of cannabis and remain in custody today, Wednesday 3 August.

Police officers and scenes of crime experts will be at the site for several days.

This is the second such cannabis find in Hastings this week.

At about 1pm on Monday 1 August, a Road Policing Unit unit from Polegate was on patrol in Hastings when a member of public informed him of a strange smell in Nelson Road.

Using the 'old fashioned copper's nose' the officers located the address from which the smell was originating.

A seacrh warrant was then obtained and the premises were found to contain a cannabis growing site with a number of plants being cultivated.

A 57-year-old man and 47-year-old woman were arrested at the house and later received police cautions.

This case is not connected with the White Rock find.

Anyone with information to contact police on 0845 60 70 999.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Sussex

Address:
White Rock
Hastings
SUSSEX
TN34