Detectives and officers from the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood team carried out a successful drugs raid at a cannabis factory on the outskirts of Caterham Valley on the morning of Tuesday 16th March.

Following information from the community, Surrey Police executed a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at 6.30am at a property in Tupwood Scrubbs Road.  

A number of police resources, including a rapid entry unit and dog support unit took part in the early morning raid at the four bedroom detached house situated in woodlands close to the popular beauty spot, View Point. Officers un-covered  two large storage bunkers in the rear garden which were being supplied with electricity from the main property. Inside the bunkers a total of 1,149 cannabis plants were found at varying stages of cultivation.

Three men were arrested at the property on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and later bailed until, Wednesday 12th May. Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Kevin Booth, said: "This was an intelligence-led drugs raid where plants of all ages were being cultivated in a substantial cannabis factory under cover of a residential property. 

"It is important that we continue to receive information from the community.  In this case we were able to prevent a large amount of cannabis being cultivated and stop it being sold on the streets of Surrey.

"Surrey Police is committed to tackling all forms of anti-social activity and I cannot stress how vital it is that members of the public continue to inform us of their suspicions or concerns relating to the illegal supply of drugs."

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector, Elaine Burtenshaw, said: "This was a significant recovery and an excellent result for my officers and their CID colleagues. We located a large cannabis factory where a considerable amount of cannabis plants were being cultivated. This raid proves Tandridge is successfully disrupting the illegal supply of drugs.

"Drugs misuse is a community concern and I hope this result reassures local residents that Surrey Police will act upon information we receive. It is vital that members of the public continue to provide information to us."

The property was rented for approximately £3,500 per month and officers are making enquiries with the homeowner.