OAP held as police swoop on cannabis factory

A 65-year-old man, a 52-year-old woman and a 21-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the production and cultivation of cannabis following the raid in Gossamer Lane last week.

All were bailed until September 3.

Inspector John Merrick, of Bognor police station, said the Aldwick home was one of a number of properties searched as part of an operation with more than 20 plants seized from two homes.

"A number of cannabis plants were found and seized," he confirmed.

News of the raid came as a shock to the residents of the quiet Gossamer Lane area characterised by large, detached properties fetching at least 300,000.

"Gossamer Lane is a very nice area with nice houses and nice people," said Aldwick Parish Council chairman Carol Wiseman.

"I am totally shocked that one of the properties could be raided by the police. It is not the sort of area where you would expect something like that to happen."

Insp Merrick told the Observer police would continue to target suspected drug dealers and producers in the Bognor Regis area.

He said the aim was to make Bognor 'as uncomfortable and unwelcome as possible' for those involved with drugs and urged anyone with any information to contact the police.

"Operation Eagle is an ongoing initiative aimed at targeting drugs and drug-related crime," he said.

"I would urge anybody with any information or concerns to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.

"Crimestoppers has a campaign entitled 'Rat on a Rat' and anonymous information can be passed on by ringing 0800 555 111.

"All information will be treated in confidence."

Cannabis is currently a class C drug, which is due to be reclassified to class B early next year. The maximum penalty for supplying the drug is 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine.

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