A CANNABIS factory with over 1,000 plants was discovered by a landlord who was chasing up late rental payments.

On Friday, January 24, police were called to a commercial premises in Tudor Road, Wealdstone by the owner who had found that it have been used by tenants to cultivate cannabis plants.

The owner had attended the venue as tenants had fallen behind with rental payments, on entering two people made off.

Officers attended the premises where in excess of 1,100 cannabis plants were being grown.

Chief Inspector Gary Warby from the Neighbourhood Police Teams, said: “This is the largest seizure of cannabis plants during my time at Harrow. I urge all landlords of residential and commercial properties to, if possible, keep an eye on them and report anything suspicious to the police, especially if entry is refused. Many times I have seen the devastation caused when premises are converted to cannabis factories. The climate, produced by hydroponic systems, in which the plants are grown can destroy the structures of buildings and can lead to demolition.”

Police say that no arrests have been made at this stage and inquiries continue.