MORE than £5,000 worth of cannabis plants have been seized by police during drugs raid.

Officers from the Basingstoke Neighbourhood Policing Team made the bust at a property in Sibelius Close, Brighton Hill on November 26, around 6.30pm.

Upon entering the property officers found a “large number” of cannabis plants believed to have a high street value of £5,000.

The news of the drugs bust came as a shock to some residents as they didn’t know the plants were being grown right under their noses.

One resident, who didn’t wish to be named, told The Gazette: “When you move into an area you do not expect this type of activity to be taking place.

“I’m just thankful that the police managed to do some thing about it.”

Another resident, a mother-of-two added: “We saw the police cars down the road but we didn’t really know what was going on.

“I mean you don’t automatically think drugs raid as soon as you see a police car do you?”

Ward councillor for Brighton Hill South, Cllr Andrew McCormick said: “It sounds like the residents were none the wiser this was happening around them, and it is good that the police have acted.

“Unfortunately we have a number of drug dealers around Basingstoke and Brighton Hill is no different, I am not the police but if there is something concerning residents I will do what I can as a local councillor to make the relevant authorities aware.”

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that a 56-year-old man from Basingstoke has been interviewed under caution, with enquiries surrounding the incident on-going.

PCSO Thomas Harries, from the Basingstoke Neighbourhood Policing Team said the seizure was good news for the borough.

He added: “I am happy to report a large number of cannabis plants have been seized by police within Brighton Hill.

“This action was carried out following enquiries by the Neighbourhood Policing Team. “It is estimated to have a street value of about £5,000.”

If anyone has further information surrounding the drugs bust or is concerned about the issue they should contact Basingstoke CID on 101 quoting 44160446570.