Police overcome by fumes at 'drugs factory' in Canterbury
by Ed Targett
etargett@thekmgroup.co.uk
Police officers who stumbled across a drugs factory in
Canterbury had to radio for help themselves – after they were
overcome by cannabis fumes.
The trio were rushed to hospital suffering breathing problems
after discovering the illicit operation in Milton Close.
They had been called to the quiet cul-de-sac after an
early-morning brawl, but when they arrived the people fighting had
disappeared.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “I could hear
running, shrieking, smashing noises. I called the police – it
wasn’t really clear who was fighting, although there was quite a
crowd.”
It was only when officers spotted a front door swinging open on
a nearby house that they discovered the drugs farm and 80 cannabis
plants.
Police press officer Jane Walker said: “We were called at 4am to
a report there was a disturbance – five people fighting – outside a
property in Milton Close, Canterbury.
“Officers attended but those causing the disturbance had left
the area, but an insecure house was located.
“The first three officers who went inside found a cannabis
cultivation but then became unwell, suffering shortness of
breath.”
The three police officers affected were taken to the Kent and
Canterbury Hospital and checked over, but there were no long-term
effects and they were able to go home.
Fire crews were even called to check out the semi-detached home
after an unknown chemical was found in the building.
Mrs Walker added: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service found a
container with a strong smelling fertiliser inside so it is thought
that the combination of the smell of cannabis plants and fertiliser
led to the officers feeling unwell.”
Police investigations are continuing. Anyone with information
should call DC Richard Lown on 101.
26/09/12
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