A HUGE cannabis farm and a haul of cash and terrifying weapons were seized in a police raid at a home.

An axe, huge knife and bat were taken as well as huge wads of cash at the property in Leigh.

Officers made the discovery at a house in a road off Stonehill Road and say two people were arrested in connection with drug offences.

Community leaders praised police for the swift action.

Martin Terry, Independent Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said it is shocking, and even worse when there are weapons involved like this.

Echo:

He said: “I am delighted police carried out this successful raid. Why anyone would need to have weapons like this to go about their daily business we will never know.

“I am glad the drugs, weapons and cash have been seized and are off the streets and I am sure the courts will deal with the culprits appropriately.

“I think this will cause some concern in the community but I also think people will be pleased to hear police have stepped in and taken this action.

“I also think people will be reassured about this too. We do not want this happening anywhere in our borough.

Echo:

“I have a zero tolerance for this and there are lots of links between crime and also drugs.

“It’s a cancer in our society and we must cut it out.”

Mr Terry also spoke of the impact and effects of cannabis and said it’s a gateway into other drugs.

Residents also joined in praising the police officers by posting messaged on Facebook.

One said: “Well done Essex police Southend, stay safe. This is just what we need even though the Covid pandemic is not going away we are still having these things going on.

“Another unscrupulous landlord taking money not caring where it comes from.

“High time landlords were ordered as part of tenancy agreements to make monthly visits to their properties.”

Another said: “I feel the police get a real beating and criticism when they are clearly keeping us all safe and this is just another example of this.

“These drugs could have been used to corrupt our children either as dealers of addicts too - I hope the full force of the law is used against these people.

“Who knows how many lives this cannabis could have ruined if in the wrong hands and as for the weapons - it’s just so horrific.”

A spokesman for Southend Policing Team said: “After some intelligence led policing the Southend Proactive Team located a cultivation at an address in Leigh and recovered weapons, drugs and cash.

“Two people were arrested at scene for possession with intent to supply and production of cannabis and remain in custody.”