Handgun and cannabis plants seized in Welling raid

Police have seized a suspected handgun and drug paraphernalia after discovering a cannabis factory inside a vacant flat.

At just before 11am on Tuesday, officers from the from the South East Basic Command Unit (BCU) executed an intelligence-led search warrant on an address on Upper Wickham Lane, Welling.

Inside the property, officers found that one of the rooms was being used as a cannabis factory, where approximately 30 plants were being grown.

A thorough search of the property was conducted, which led to the recovery of a suspected firearm, various drug paraphernalia and multiple sim cards in a burner phone box.

No arrests have been made.

Police Constable Wes Jones, of the Bexley Neighbourhood Tasking Team, said: “Thanks to the proactive work of the team, a suspected firearm has been removed from the streets of London, preventing its potential use in future violent criminality.

“We are carrying out enquiries to trace the gun’s history and anyone associated with it.

“We’ve also intercepted the supply of a large amount of Class B drugs from being dealt in the community.

“This is another clear example of the intrinsic link between drugs and violence.

“We will continue to work around the clock to disrupt the supply and cultivation of drugs within our communities while bearing down on the associated violence it brings.”

Pictured top: The handgun discovered by police in Welling