Thirteen cannabis farms found in Wiltshire, only one person charged
Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 06:00 · Archive
Thirteen cannabis farms have been uncovered across Wiltshire between January 2023 and September 2026, according to data obtained through a freedom of information request. Wiltshire Police discovered one farm in 2023, three in 2024, six in 2025, and three more between January and September 2026.
Despite these discoveries, police have confirmed that only one person has ever been charged in connection with any of the farms during this period. Officers say no arrests have been made in connection with the most recent discovery and the investigation remains in its early stages.
The latest farm was found on 16 October in Swindon after officers from the Central North neighbourhood policing team carried out patrols in Moredon. The patrols followed reports of suspected drug-related activity and anti-social behaviour near Abbey View Road play park. During the operation, officers recovered a suspected stolen moped and found several packets of cannabis hidden beneath a brick.
Wiltshire Police said it had received intelligence concerning suspected cannabis cultivation at an address in Westwood Road, Penhill, before officers attended and discovered around 100 plants inside. When cannabis farms are discovered, standard police protocol is to take a sample of the plants and then destroy the rest.
Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant James Quarrell said the discovery highlighted 'the vital role our communities play in helping us tackle crime'. He encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, saying that information about unusual activity at properties, strong smells, permanently covered windows or people coming and going at unusual hours could help identify criminal activity and keep communities safe.
How it is being reported
- 13 cannabis farms uncovered in Wiltshire but just one person charged in three yearsThirteen cannabis farms have been uncovered in Wiltshire in the last three years, but shocking police data shows only one person has ever been charged.Gazette & Herald · 21 Oct, 05:00
- 13 cannabis farms uncovered in Wiltshire but just one person charged in three yearsThirteen cannabis farms have been uncovered in Wiltshire in the last three years, but shocking police data shows only one person has ever been charged.Swindon Advertiser · 21 Oct, 05:00
- 13 cannabis farms uncovered in Wiltshire but just one person charged in three yearsThirteen cannabis farms have been uncovered in Wiltshire in the last three years, but shocking police data shows only one person has ever been charged.Wiltshire Times · 21 Oct, 05:00
- ‘Cannabis farm’ of around 100 plants found after police patrolsA ‘cannabis farm’ of 100 plants has been discovered in Swindon following a police operation.Swindon Advertiser · 19 Oct, 16:53
In this story: Wiltshire Police · Swindon · Wiltshire · James Quarrell · Moredon · Penhill
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