Reports of gas leak lead to seizure of almost a thousand cannabis plants from Maidstone warehouse

Nearly 1,000 cannabis plants have been seized from a warehouse in Maidstone following reports of a gas leak. Credit: Kent Police.

Almost 1,000 cannabis plants have been seized from a warehouse in Maidstone following reports of a gas leak.

Kent Police received a report of suspicious activity near St Peter’s Street.

Engineers completing repairs in the area stumbled upon a suspected cannabis cultivation.

Patrols attended the scene where they discovered four tents filled with cannabis plants and a sophisticated ventilation and heating system inside a building.

Four tents filled with cannabis plants and a sophisticated ventilation system were inside a building near St. Peter's Street, Maidstone Credit: Kent Police.

The plants, thought to have a street value of around £300,000, have been seized for destruction.

Two men are understood to left the scene on foot towards Maidstone East train station prior to officers’ arrival, just after 8.20pm on Wednesday 26 February 2025.

It is thought they may have got into a silver Mercedes near the corner of Buckland Hill and St Peter’s Street.

An investigation is now underway to identify and locate those responsible for the cultivation.

A warehouse was being used as a cannabis factory. Credit: Kent Police.

Officers are now appealing to the public for help to identify two people who may be able to assist with enquiries.

The men are described as white and of a medium build, with thinning hair.

One was wearing a short-sleeved grey t-shirt and no shoes.

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