Police discovered more than £250,000 worth of cannabis in County Durham after residents witnessed flames coming from a nearby telegraph pole.
Response Officers from D Relief were called shortly after 5pm on Monday night (February 28) to the Close House area of Bishop Auckland.
Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and NEDL were also called to the scene on Heslop Street.
Go here for more County Durham news and updates from County Durham Live
Whilst fire crews assessed the scene and made the area safe, officers began to make enquiries with the owner of the property connected to the telegraph pole.
They were not in the property at the time, however concerns were raised that the fire may have been linked to a possible cannabis grow.
Officers forced entry to the property and a number of associated addresses and seized a total of 328 mature and immature plants worth in excess of £250,000.
The plants were all fully stocked with professional growing equipment.
An investigation is under way with police trying to hunt down those responsible.
Inspector Peter Lonsdale, from Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood team, said: "This is a substantial result for the town and residents whose safety is ultimately being put at risk at the cost of these grows.
"The cultivation of plants have direct links to organised crime and what we discovered on Monday night, I have no doubt was funding this type of behaviour.
"I’d like to thank local residents who raised the alarm and provided information which allowed the team to act swiftly."
If you notice something suspicious in your community always speak up.
Report it by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
