TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after officers carried out a warrant in Colchester.

Police officers entered the semi-detached property in Morant Road and discovered facilities consistent with a cannabis grow at 9.45am on Monday.

Residents had reported suspicious activity at the house in the early hours of the morning, constant low-level noise and the smell of cannabis.

When officers forced entry to the rented house, they found a well-maintained ground floor with a Christmas tree on display.

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However, the three bedrooms and loft area upstairs had been converted to house a ventilation system, heat lamps and assorted cultivation equipment.

Sergeant Lee Palmer, of the North Disruptor Team led the operation. He said: “We had information from the community in relation to a suspected cannabis grow at the address.

“We executed a warrant under Section 8 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act because of the impact the activity was having on the local residents.

“Upon entering the premises, it was clean and tidy downstairs but upstairs there was significant evidence to suggest the cultivation of cannabis.

“There’s a fully established hydroponic setup – the watering mechanism to grow plants – an air filtration system to get rid of the heat and the smell, and lights set up that are used to the provide UV and the significant amount of heat the plants need to grow.

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“We arrested two men on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis. They were taken to Colchester custody where they were interviewed.”

Essex Police has now confirmed the two men have been released under investigation.

Police are now urging people with any information about drug dealing or concerns about suspicious activity linked to the trade of illegal drugs to call them on 101.

An Essex Police spokesman added: “The production and sale of drugs by organised criminal gangs involves the exploitation of vulnerable people, including children, who can be forced into criminal activity against their will.

“The trade in illegal drugs is inextricably linked to violence and the proceeds from drugs funds more criminal activity which leads to fear and misery for individuals and communities.

“Stopping the criminals behind the growth and sale of cannabis is vital in tackling violent crime and helps keep local communities safe.”