99 cannabis plants seized at former pub site in Uckfield

Sussex Police seized the plants at the former Brickmakers Arms on New Road, Ridgewood.

Officers from East Sussex’s Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) gained entry to the former pub on Tuesday 25 April following reports of suspicious activity from members of the public.

They seized cannabis plants alongside growing equipment.

The seized cannabis plants were in the early stages of growth

Superintendent Till Sanderson said: “The site was previously found to be a cannabis factory in May 2021, which was disrupted, but members of the public thought it had started up again.

“It looks like we disrupted the grow at an early stage. The offenders had spent a considerable amount of time, effort and money in constructing the site which they have now thankfully lost.

“Cannabis is a harmful, banned substance and its cultivation, sale and distribution brings criminality to an area. It can lead to more serious crimes and goes hand-in-hand with violence, exploitation and addiction, sowing devastation among our communities.

“This operation proves that we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of perpetrators, while working with our partners to address the root causes of this behaviour and safeguard those most at risk of harm.”