Operation Viscount operates all year

Avon and Somerset Constabulary's dedicated operation to tackle cannabis will be running non stop for the next year.

Last year Operation Viscount saw more than 500 cannabis farms detected with the figure expected to rise this year as the proactive work continues.

Figures released by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) last week show that since 2007 around 100 more farms have been found each year across the force area.

Force Drugs Strategy Manager said: "These figures show that we are stopping more illegal drugs reaching the streets and some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

"We will be carrying out many more warrants over the coming months to clamp down on cannabis cultivation in Avon and Somerset.

"Operation Viscount should send out a clear message that illegal drugs of any kind will not be tolerated and we will continue to bring offenders to justice.

"The cultivation of cannabis has become a highly profitable illegal business. It also brings with it many potential harms to our communities."

This year has also seen officers from Sweden visit Avon and Somerset to learn more about tackling cannabis production in their own country.

The Swedish officers asked Avon and Somerset Constabulary to host them in March, after Operation Viscount featured on a BBC Three documentary which was later screened abroad.

During their visit plants worth £150,000 were found under hidden bunkers near Taunton, which was concealed by caravans.

Many of the Viscount warrants follow information received from members of the public.

Mr Bunt said: "Community intelligence is absolutely vital to the work we do. I would like to thank the public for their continued support. We continue to encourage people to contact us if they believe there is a cannabis factory in their area."

The following are some of the tell tale signs of properties being used for growing cannabis. They include:

• Windows permanently covered from the inside
• Visits to the premises at unusual times of the day or night
• People visiting just to "maintain" the house
• Daily or weekly calls at the house by people who stay for a short time
• Black bin bags or laundry bags being taken away
• Compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, usually at the rear of the premises
• Vents protruding through the roof or a rear window
• Strange, pungent smells from the premises
• Unusual noises from equipment such as cooling fans

Never approach a house you are concerned could be a cannabis factory. Please call your local officer or Crimestoppers.

To contact the police call 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org; they never ask your name or trace your call.

Report drug crime to us Policing in your area