Almost 1,000 cannabis plants seized from Maidstone warehouse

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

Kent Police call handlers received a report of suspicious activity near St Peter’s Street just after 8.20pm on Wednesday 26 February 2025, when 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.

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

Two men are understood to have left the scene on foot towards Maidstone East train station prior to officers’ arrival. 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.

Appeal

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.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/33187/25.

Local residents with private CCTV or drivers with dashcam, who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, are also asked to check for relevant footage.