Police raid drug factory

A 44-year-old man was arrested by police after they found a suspected cannabis factory, pictured above, hidden in a lock-up at Waldron on Sunday.

Eight officers siezed 250 plants, professional lighting and carbon dioxide cannisters and arrested the suspect at scene. He was taken to Eastbourne Police Station where he was questioned and later bailed pending scientific analysis of the substances.

Sector commander Inspector Tim Piloni said the Waldron and Heathfield communities had been concerned about alleged drug taking and added: 'We believe we have seized a medium sized enterprise and it is possible that the suspected illegal substances were destined for our streets.'

Last week, the Association of Chief Police Officers announced a shift in its drugs policy. In particular, it anticipated the reclassification of cannabis - a move that would allow officers to differentiate between users and dealers.