Two men have been arrested after police uncovered a large cannabis factory containing more than 1,000 plants at a property near Basingstoke on the morning of Thursday 9 July.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers executed a warrant at a property on Compton Way, Sherfield Park, at around 9am and discovered approximately 200 plants in each of six grow rooms.
Two men found inside the address were arrested at the scene. A 53-year-old and a 45-year-old, both of no fixed abode, were held on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug and cultivating a cannabis plant. They remained in police custody while enquiries continued.
Officers stayed at the property to carry out further work and ensure the site was secured and made safe.
Inside the operation
Photographs released by Hampshire Police show rows of flowering cannabis plants grown under artificial lighting, with reflective sheeting lining the walls and ventilation equipment installed overhead.
The six-room layout described by the force points to a commercial-scale cultivation set-up rather than a small domestic grow — consistent with the overall plant count exceeding 1,000.
Police warn of 'hidden harm'
"We know some people think it is just a bit of cannabis, but we want to stress that any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm," Hampshire Police said.
The force added that large-scale operations are often run by organised crime gangs "who are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms."
Officers also highlighted the fire risk posed by the electricity demands of large indoor grows, warning that illegal wiring can endanger neighbouring properties and lives.
"The electrical requirement to grow a large number of plants is also dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger."
A busy week for enforcement in Hampshire
The Sherfield Park raid comes days after other significant cannabis discoveries across the county.
On Saturday 5 July, more than 80 plants were found at a home on Handel Close in Brighton Hill, Basingstoke. On Tuesday 7 July, four men were arrested after more than 1,800 plants were discovered at an empty office building in Andover.
How to report information
Hampshire Police encouraged residents to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing, saying community intelligence helps build the picture that leads to enforcement action.
Anyone with information about this incident should quote reference 44260326170 when contacting the force on 101.
Reports can also be made online via the Hampshire Constabulary website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As with all live investigations, those arrested are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty in court.
Image credit
Main image: Hampshire Police.
Reporting based on a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary press release, published 9 July 2026 at 11:51.
