Two charged after cannabis found in mushroom quarry
Two men have been charged with the production of cannabis after a large quantity of the drug was found in a quarry. Police officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Thursday, September 27, and found the factory in Bradford on Avon. Two men were arrested and subsequently charged with the production of cannabis (class B drug). Armed police were seen patrolling the farmland at Bethel Quarry where one of the biggest ever cannabis factories in Britain has been discovered. Due to problems with safety at the site and the size of the tunnels, officers have only just been able to ascertain the full extent of the cannabis factory. The drug den is so big that police initially said they were still to find all the drugs stashed in the caves. The tunnels form part of a former limestone quarry covering about 10 acres or 40,000 square metres. Mining stopped at the end of the 19th century and the tunnels were used by the War Office in 1939 to store naval equipment. The quarry was once used by Heinz to grow mushrooms for its soup. Wiltshire police inspector Nick Mawson said last week: “Local residents are likely to see police presence at Bethel Quarry and surrounding area as officers carry out searches and gather evidence. “This work is anticipated to carry on into next week due to the size of the location and safety issues at the site and we appreciate the patience of the community.” Alksander Shyti, 45, and Altin Deda, 39, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Friday, September 28. The pair have been remanded in custody until a date to be fixed. If you have information regarding this incident or drug use in your area call Wiltshire police on 101 quoting ref *91261. Or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 anonymously if preferred.