A cannabis factory with hundreds of plants has been closed down and one man was arrested after police raided a property in an exclusive neighbourhood.

The factory, in Burgh Heath, operated from a large five-bedroom detached house was uncovered during Surrey Police’s Operation Henderson, when 300 class B cannabis plants were found.

More than 15 officers from rapid entry units, alongside detectives, dog handlers and search teams took part in the operation on Tuesday (February 2).

Detective Inspector David Cooper said: “This was an intelligence-led drug raid based on information Surrey Police received from the community.

“This was a substantial cannabis factory with plants of all ages being cultivated inside a large house on a very affluent residential road. I have no doubt those responsible assumed the privacy of the gated community would allow their criminal activity to go unnoticed.”

The property was rented for approximately £3,000 per month and officers are making enquiries with the homeowner, who was not thought to be involved.

DI Cooper said: “Acting on information we received, Surrey Police mounted a professional operation which has culminated in the arrest of one man.

“This was a sizeable and established cannabis factory where a large quantity of plants had been grown in all of the bedrooms in the house. Yet again Surrey Police officers have disrupted the supply of illegal drugs.

“The electrical system in the property had been completely re-wired to power all of the equipment. The house is being made safe by the electricity company but the risk of a large fire spreading through the property at any time was very high.

“Cultivation of cannabis is a criminal offence and Surrey Police will not tolerate the sale and supply of illegal drugs.

"I would appeal to members of the community to remain vigilant to help us in the fight against the illegal supply of drugs. With your help we can continue to crack down on cannabis factories and those who profit from supplying illegal drugs.”