On 20 October, officers arrived at the property in question on Randalls Way only to discover a large cultivation of cannabis growing, with an estimated street value of around £ 1.7mn.
While an ongoing investigation is carried out, an officer will remain at the scene to prevent further criminal activity, says Surrey Police.
PC Ewan Keen from Mole Valley’s Neighbourhood team told Surrey Police: “This is a great result in seizing these plants and making sure they do not get sold on our streets. We found over 1,000 plants, as well as living quarters.
“These cannabis factories can be a huge risk and can cause fires, which in a residential location, could cause serious damage. In addition, we often find evidence of modern-day slavery at these locations. Only by taking robust action can we safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“We continue to work to identify and dismantle organised crime networks and drugs coming into Surrey. We are grateful to the information provided by the community which led to this discovery and urge anyone with more information that will help with our investigation to come forward.”
Cannabis remains Surrey’s most reported substance among youth
In 2024, reports from Health Surrey show that cannabis remains the most commonly reported substance with youth in drug misuse treatment, followed by cocaine, ketamine, and benzodiazepines.
Despite levels falling lower than in England, cannabis possession is still the highest drug-related offence in Surrey.
Growing concern over drug-related crime in ‘safe’ areas
Are drug-related crimes on the rise in ‘safe’ places like Leatherhead?
Just over a fortnight ago, on 3 October, there was a drug incident on Leatherhead High Street in which officers were called to the scene. Officers stopped a vehicle and found class A drugs concealed; the driver was consequently arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.
With Randalls Way being a mere five-minute drive from Therfield School, the rife criminal activity is alarmingly close to the impressionable and unfolding lives of children. It is concerning that organised crime can go blissfully under the radar, permitting the cultivation of almost £2mn worth of drugs, the most commonly reported amongst youths.
