Nearly 200 cannabis plants found by officers responding to break-in in Clackmannanshire

Two men have been charged after police seized cannabis worth £200,000 while responding to a break-in report in Clackmannanshire.

Officers received reports of a break-in at a premises in Schawpark, Sauchie, around 4am on Monday.

Two men, aged 46 and 21, were traced in a vehicle nearby a short time later and were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

While carrying out enquiries, police discovered 179 cannabis plants with an estimated value of £200,000 in the neighbouring property.

Police Scotland said enquiries to trace those responsible for the cultivation are ongoing.

The force is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Chief inspector Kat Thompson, Clackmannanshire local area commander, commented: “Tackling drugs remains one of our top priorities.

“This recovery highlights our commitment to tackling this type of criminality and eradicating drugs from our communities.

“In this cultivation, the electricity meter was bypassed. This creates significant danger for neighbouring properties and members of the public and could have led to a fire.

“Not only is there an impact on our communities because of the criminality and public safety aspect, but there is also an impact on other energy consumers in the community to absorb costs.

“My officers and I rely on support from the community to identify this type of criminality and I encourage anyone with information or concerns about drugs to get in touch with us.

“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can call 101 or report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”