A MAN has been arrested after police officers found a cannabis factory in Dorchester.

It came after officers were called to reports of ‘anti-social behaviour and drug offences’ at an address in the town.

While at the address – which was described by police as being ‘off Alington Road’ – officers noticed equipment which was suspected to have been used for cannabis production in an outbuilding.

A search was carried out and a large number of suspected cannabis plants were discovered as well as equipment allegedly used to cultivate the drug.

A 52-year-old man from Dorchester was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B.

He has been released under investigation while the investigation continues.

The discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he saw two police cars, and what he thought may have been a police van, swoop on the area on Wednesday.

He added: “I have been seeing quite a lot of police activity recently, it’s not the first time police have been in this area for drug-related issues.”

Dorchester councillor David Taylor, also a member of the local police and crime panel, said: “The drugs problem in this country is getting worse and worse.

“It’s being reported that city supplies are shrinking, and the drug dealers are using county lines and moving into smaller areas to avert being caught. I am glad this supply has been found, it’s another source of drugs off the street.

“I would like to congratulate police on a job well done.”

He added: “But when one supply goes down another three pop up.”

The raid comes after the Echo reported how there had been a surge in drug crime in towns in Dorset, including in Dorchester. The county was singled out as one of the areas where towns have seen an increase in recorded drug crimes over a five-year period, defined as possession or supply of illegal drugs.

Following the raid, Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Stanton, of Dorchester police, said: “We are continuously working hard to tackle alleged drug-related offences in Dorset, working closely with our partner agencies.

“Officers will take positive action and use police powers where there is evidence of suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour.

“We encourage members of the public to come forward with any information or concerns they have regarding drug-related activity in their area as this helps us to build an intelligence picture.

“Any residents wishing to make a report are urged to contact police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”