A man has been charged with cultivation of cannabis after 160 plants were discovered at a property in South Oxhey.

Endrit Pepkolaj, of no fixed address, was charged after police found the “large-scale” factory in Gosforth Lane on Thursday, February 1.

The 28-year-old was remanded in custody ahead of his next court date, which is yet to be confirmed.

Watford Observer: The cannabis plants have been seized and will be destroyed.The cannabis plants have been seized and will be destroyed. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Officers from the Operation Scorpion team forced entry to the building following reports of "tell tale signs" of a cannabis farm, such as suspicious activity and a strong smell emanating from the property.

A total of 168 plants, estimated to be worth at least £47,000, were recovered and will be destroyed.

Watford Observer: Around 170 plants were discovered at the location.Around 170 plants were discovered at the location. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Detective Sergeant Stuart Keene, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “This great result shows just how important intelligence from the local community is in helping us disrupt drug crime in Three Rivers. Those living nearby had noticed unusual activities and strong smells linked to the address and reported those to us.

Watford Observer: Tell tale signs were reported by the community.Tell tale signs were reported by the community. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)Watford Observer: A man has been arrested, and enquiries are ongoing.A man has been arrested, and enquiries are ongoing. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

“Spotting potential factories can be difficult for police as there is often little to indicate a property is being used in this way at first glance. However, information provided by residents enables us to take action and investigate potential addresses of interest."

He added: “Gosforth Lane is a safer place now this factory has been dismantled, as criminals often seek to access free electricity and set up unsafe wiring to power the lamps and fans needed to grow the plants, which can cause a significant fire risk.”

Police warned people to watch out for a “sweet” and “sickly” smell, frequent visitors through the day and night, blacked out windows, noise from fans and electricity meters being tampered with, which are all possible signs of a cannabis farm.

Birds gathering on the roof in cold weather, snow melting unusually quickly on the roof, and high levels of condensation on windows are also possible signs of the bright lights used to grow cannabis in a property.