Three charged after cannabis plants found in Newbridge

Three men have been arrested after cannabis plants with a potential street value of £80,000 were seized from an address in Edinburgh.

A large number of plants were found after police raided the property in the Newbridge area on Thursday.

The raid was carried out by officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit .

Three men aged 36, 39 and 46 have been charged and are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Police are urging neighbours and landlords to be wary of suspicious behaviour by residents and look out for signs of cultivation, which include a strong sickly-sweet smell, permanently blacked out windows, and high levels of heat or condensation on windows.

Det Insp Paul Grainger said: "This is the second recovery of a significant cannabis cultivation in under a week and shows the dedication of Police Scotland to removing illicit drugs from our communities.

"I would urge landlords and letting agents, in particular, to be aware of what is happening in the premises they let. Not only is this activity harmful to the community but their properties are more susceptible to structural damage and fire due to excessive cabling, use of flammable materials and illegal tampering with electricity systems.

"They may also lose rent during eviction and periods of repair or be held liable by the property's energy supplier for outstanding bills."