A man has been arrested after police uncovered more than 1,300 cannabis plants in Shepton Mallet as part of a major crackdown on drug cultivation in the South West.

Officers from Frome and Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Policing Teams discovered the large-scale grow operation during Operation Mille, a targeted police initiative aimed at tackling illegal cannabis production. A total of 1,304 cannabis plants were seized from the site and later destroyed.

A man was charged and remanded in custody for the production of a class B drug.

During the arrest, police also found the man in possession of a set of keys to an address in Yeovil. This led officers to conduct further searches, where they uncovered another cannabis grow, a quantity of cash, and a weapon.

Operation Mille, which has been running across the South West, has resulted in multiple arrests and drug seizures. Over the course of the operation, police have searched 32 properties, made 36 arrests, and recovered significant quantities of drugs, including 2,240 cannabis plants, 246g of cocaine, and 500g of ketamine. More than £57,000 in cash, 10 weapons, and over 20 nitrous oxide canisters have also been seized.

Police say they will continue to target organised crime groups involved in large-scale drug production and are urging the public to report any suspicious activity linked to cannabis farms.

Anyone with information can contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.