POLICE stumbled upon Class C drugs while at a house in Colchester.
Officers went to a property in Hythe Hill at around 11pm on Monday over an “unrelated matter”.
While at the address, they found 28 cannabis plants hidden in the property’s loft.
A man in his 20s, from Colchester, remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.
Councillor Tim Young who lives in the area and saw police vehicles at the property today, said: “It’s shocking to see this near where you live.
“When we saw the police arrive, we wondered what they were doing.
“We had no warning. There was no sign of anything untoward going on at the property.
“We’re all taken back, but the police have done a good job, and this won’t be happening anymore.
“Hopefully that property will be used by someone who needs housing.”
One neighbour said a lot of drug deals take place in the area.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "We've had a lot of different people dealing and what have you – it's not the first time.
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"When I was painting the outside of the house on ladders, I saw deals going off.
"Somebody who used to live here was commenting about how many drug deals were going off.
"If it's not intrusive, then it doesn't bother me. You sometimes get the cars coming up quite quickly with loud music, but we haven't had that lately.
"Drugs are not unknown in this street."
Old Heath and Hythe ward councillor Lee Scordis said: “I'm glad the police have reacted to this promptly.
“I would urge anyone to make sure they report any crimes to the police.”
An Essex Police spokesperson said all the plants were in the early stages of growth.
A substantial amount of growing equipment was also uncovered.
The force spokesperson added: “All equipment has been removed and the plants sent for destruction."
To find out more about Essex Police’s online reporting services, visit essex.police.uk/digital101.
