A MAN was arrested after police found a cannabis farm in Leigh.

Officers attended the home in Leigh Road and seized 198 plants.

A man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of abstracting electricity and producing cannabis.

Police took to social media to post about the incident.

A spokesman for Southend Community Policing Team said: “Drugs warrant executed in Leigh by officers from Southend.

“One adult male arrested and a good amount of drugs seized prior to hitting our streets.”

It has been met with high praise from councillors within the community.

Daniel Nelson, Tory shadow councillor for community safety, said: “This is wonderful news.

“I am pleased to see police are cracking down on cannabis, it has a profound effect on young men.

“The fact police are arresting people who are growing this is great.

“This is more drugs that have been taken off our streets.

“Cannabis is a Class B drug and is a serious drug, my message to young people is do not take this as it will get you into trouble and will affect your mental health.

“I think these results will help to reassure our residents.

“Long should this great work continue and I fully conmend the police’s fight against drugs.”

It has also been met with praise from residents in the area who said it can only be good news.

Barry Hodge, 50, of Leigh Road, said: “The police take a beating at times with so much criticism, but this shows they are out there protecting us.

“I am shocked to hear of this in Leigh, as it’s a nice quiet area and nothing happens here.

“I am surprised to see there is an issue with drugs in the town.

“I am pleased the drugs have been taken off our streets and the police are doing what they can to tackle the issue.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Acting on intelligence, officers from the South Operation Raptor team executed a warrant at a property in Leigh Road, Leigh on Monday, October 7.

“Inside they discovered a suspected cannabis growing farm. One man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of abstracting electricity and producing cannabis.

“He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”