HUNDREDS of cannabis plants have been found growing underneath a motorway near Rugby.
The unusual but sophisticated cannabis farm, comprising more than 240 plants, was found growing in a drainage culvert which runs the width of the M1 near the village of Watford in Northamptonshire.
It was discovered by maintenance workers from National Highways, who reported it to Northamptonshire Police.
Access to the culvert, a closed tunnel normally used to convey water from one side of the road to the other, had been boarded up to hide the plants.
Dismantling the cannabis factory was made even more treacherous due to heavy rainfall, but police were helped by a local landowner who provided transport and trailers.
Insp Jonathan Davis-Lyons said: “This must be one of the most unusual locations we have discovered a cannabis grow, but it just demonstrates the length criminals will go to produce this high-value commodity.
“Once inside the drainage culvert, we found a sophisticated set up which included extensive shelving to ensure the plants were kept above water, power diverted for lighting, and other equipment needed to maintain the plants.”
Sgt Lewis Judd, who is leading the investigation and oversaw the dismantling of the factory, said: “This was a particularly difficult cannabis grow to dismantle due to torrential rain and the remote location.
“The nearest road access to the tunnel was about a mile away, but thanks to the generosity and support of a local landowner who provided us with transport and trailers, we were able to close it down.”
No-one has been arrested in connection with the grow. Officers would like to hear from anyone who may be able to identify those responsible for setting up the cannabis factory.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 25000697502.
Information can also be submitted online at www.northants.police.uk/RO or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.
