A CANNABIS factory was uncovered in a hidden compartment during a police raid.

Despite the coronavirus outbreak, officers from Basildon’s community policing team targeted a property in St Mary’s Crescent, Pitsea.

The team discovered at least ten cannabis plants during the raid.

A spokesman for the team said: “We were happy with our little find.

“However, we had to take extra precaution as we discovered that the electricity had been bypassed.

“Feeling in a good mood, we even cleaned up the mess from the soil and plant before we left.”

A man has been reported for cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity in connection with the incident.

Jack Ferguson, councillor for Pitsea, said: “Thank you to the police for all the work they are doing, these are very challenging times and they are doing the best job they can in the circumstances.

“The action here shows how much they are trying to do day-to-day activity.

“Cannabis has no place in our society and I am pleased the police are getting on top of this.

“I’ve had concerns raised to me which highlights the need for communication between the public, councillors and the police.”

In a separate, unlinked police raid in Felmores, Pitsea, on Friday, police were greeted by a well-behaved dog as they searched a home for drugs.

The well-behaved Staffordshire Bull Terrier watched as police officers searched the property and found Class A drugs.

The team stated, as they were deciding what to do with the dog, his owner came home.

During the search, Police Dog Chip helped with finding evidence hidden in various items of furniture.

A man was later arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs, officers said.

Police say they let the dog off “with a warning”.

A spokesman for the Basildon’s community policing team, added: “The world might be a bit scary at the moment, but we haven’t stopped our work.”

Anyone with concerns about drug cultivation or drugs offences in the south Essex area can call police officers on 101.

People are also asked to call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org with any information.