Paignton drug raid: 161 cannabis plants seized by Devon & Cornwall Police

The property in Torquay Road, Paignton, where police executed the drugs warrant | Devon & Cornwall Police

placeholder image — The property in Torquay Road, Paignton, where police executed the drugs warrant | Devon & Cornwall Police

The cannabis plants were seized during a warrant executed by Devon & Cornwall Police in Paignton, with a 39-year-old local man arrested and released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police have seized 161 cannabis plants during a drugs warrant in Paignton.

Officers executed the warrant, issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act, at an address in Torquay Road on Tuesday.

A 39-year-old local man was arrested in connection with the seizure. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Some of the 161 cannabis plants seized by police during the raid | Devon & Cornwall Police

Paignton & Brixham Sector Inspector Pete Giesens said the find came despite the recent dry weather. "Whilst the recent heatwaves have left much of Paignton dry and yellow, our officers managed to locate a large patch of greenery during the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant," he said.

He said cannabis cultivation was linked to wider harm in the community. "Cannabis cultivation fuels wider criminal activity, exploiting vulnerable people and causing significant harm to individuals, families and communities," he said. "We will continue to take action against all of those involved."

Anyone with information about drug issues in their community is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number, or report online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website.