ARMED police swooped on a multi-occupation property in Teignmouth this afternoon, seizing a suspected firearm and drugs.
Neighbours looked on in disbelief as some half-dozen officers with guns raided 44 Higher Brimley Road, the scene of a cannabis factory bust just two years ago.
One local said today: ‘Police parked away from the house and made their way to the address which they must know very well.’
A sniffer dog was also used during the strike which kicked off at about 1.30pm.
A neighbour complained: ‘It’s been a problem property for a long time. There is a history of trouble there. It’s good to see police doing something about it.’
At least one young man was seen being led away from the address by officers just after 2pm.
The four-storey property - recently converted into nine flats - was visited by police in September 2017 when a haul of cultivated cannabis was seized, reckoned to have a street value of some £250,000.
Electricians sparked the raid when they went to investigate a power source problem and came across cannabis being grown throughout the building.
Police later confirmed that a ‘sophisticated hydroponics cultivation system’ had been rigged up inside.
An officer from the scene at the time described the venue as ‘a substantial cannabis farm.’
Among neighbours shocked by the ‘factory’ visit was former MP Richard Younger-Ross who still lives opposite the property.
Police confirmed just before 3pm that an 18-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the seizures.Local commander Supt Matt Lawler told the Mid-Devon Advertiser: 'Police today executed a pre-planned warrant at an address on Higher Brimley Road in Teignmouth under the Firearms Act.'We have seized an item that is suspected to be a firearm - but it needs to be properly examined together with a small quantity of drugs.'He added: 'An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this matter and awaits questioning.'We are grateful for the support of local residents who have been patient while this operation was undertaken.'