NEARLY 60 suspected giant cannabis plants have been unearthed by police at a property in Bridgwater Road, Taunton.

Officers, acting on intelligence from the public, searched the premises on Wednesday and found 59 plants – measuring between six to eight feet tall – growing in the garden.

Police also seized a further 60 suspected seedlings and hydroponics equipment discovered in an outbuilding.

A 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug and possession with the intent to supply a controlled drug.

He has been bailed until September pending further investigation and forensic testing.

Beat manager PC Andrew Beake said: “We carried out this search warrant after information was supplied to one of our officers by a member of the public.

“Cannabis is an illegal drug and anyone growing it, particularly in large quantities, is opening themselves up to prosecution, a criminal record and potentially a prison sentence.

“The plants in the garden were really big, some of the biggest I have seen because they weren’t grown in a hydroponic environment – they weren’t particularly strong or ‘good quality’. This doesn’t detract from it still being a criminal activity however.

“I want to thank the public for coming forward with this information and encourage others to get in touch if they have information about suspected illegal activities in their communities.

“We will listen and take action.”

Anyone with information about criminal activity can contact the police on 0845-4567000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.