Over £500k of cannabis found in underground bunkers at farm

A pre-planned warrant led to searches taking place over nine days after the underground bunkers containing cannabis were discovered.

Officers, drone support and the dog unit arrived at the farm on the morning of Thursday, September 3. They were accompanied by officials from the Environment Agency who had intelligence to suggest waste was being stored illegally at the site.

Spanish Civil Guard officers also joined the operation, having provided information which supported intelligence obtained by Lincolnshire Police that a drug operation was taking place.

Four bunkers made up of shipping containers were found 20ft underground – their entrances concealed within barns.

In total 12 shipping containers were used to make up the bunkers and house a large number of cannabis plants.

Officers estimate the drugs would have a street value of approximately £580,000.

More than 300 tonnes of illegal waste, a shotgun and six stolen cars were also found.

In addition, 22 horses and one llama were found at the farm itself in a poor condition and were taken away by officers.

Three men, aged 34, 35 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of production of a Class B drug, burglary with intent to steal, animal welfare offences and possible waste offences.

The 34-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited firearm and theft of a motor vehicle.

They have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Detective Superintendent Rick Hatton from Lincolnshire Police said: “We are extremely grateful to our counterparts in Spain and our partners for assisting with the exploration of this site.

“With the operation being underground we have needed some real specialist support to uncover this activity. Only with the skills of those who joined us from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, the Environment Agency, East Lindsey District Council, RSPCA, Dyno-Rod and the Home Office’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have we been able to get to this point.”

The seven Environment Agency officers attending found approximately 300 tonnes of baled waste, 60 part-dismantled vehicles, used asbestos roofing materials, household rubbish and mixed manufactured wood, plus evidence of 6 separate areas used to burn waste illegally. Any site which deposits, treats, stores or disposes of waste is breaking the law if they do so without a permit from the Environment Agency.

The three suspects were also interviewed in relation to this activity before being released on police bail. Investigations continue and officers will return to monitor the safe removal of the waste in the future – which is expected to cost those responsible up to £100,000.

Environment Agency Area Director Norman Robinson said: “Waste crime is serious – it blights communities and risks real harm to people’s health and the environment, and we won’t hesitate to take action against those responsible.

“We’ve now been able to put a stop to illegal activity on this site – a testament to the determination, joint-working and intelligence-sharing between multiple organisations."

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is asked to report it to the police hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.