A huge cannabis factory containing more than 700 plants discovered by police in Acton was operating inside the former Chatsworth Pub in Acton High Street — only a short walk from Acton Police Station.
Officers from the Acton Safer Neighbourhoods Team carried out a drugs warrant at the building last week (12 May 2026) after intelligence linked the site to suspected drug activity.
Police said the premises looked shut from the outside, but officers uncovered a large cannabis grow once inside.
A 31-year-old man was arrested after allegedly trying to flee as officers entered the property.
More than 700 cannabis plants at different stages of growth were found inside, with the entire setup later dismantled and removed.
The Chatsworth pub closed down in 2023. In 2020, the site received planning permission for redevelopment into a four-storey mixed-use building featuring a new pub at ground floor and basement level, along with nine flats above — including eight one-bedroom properties and one three-bedroom home.
Further details about the raid were later shared on Met Engage by Gary Pang, Police Community Support Officer for East Acton.
PCSO Pang said: “From the outside, the building appeared shut down… but looks can be deceiving.
“As officers made entry, one male attempted to make a quick escape — unfortunately for him, officers were quicker. He was promptly arrested at the scene.
“Inside, officers uncovered a large-scale cannabis grow with over 700 plants at various stages of maturity. The entire setup has now been identified, dismantled, and safely removed.”
PCSO Pang added: “Great work from the team in taking a significant quantity of drugs off our streets.”
PC Maxim Cooper told EALING.NEWS last week: “Operations like this demonstrate the Met’s commitment to disrupting the organised crime groups running these drug factories.
“The drug trade has a significant impact on the community in Acton and across London, and we’re committed to tackling it head-on.”
Cannabis factories are often linked to organised criminal gangs and can pose serious fire risks because of illegal electrical connections used to power lighting and ventilation equipment.
Anyone with information about suspected drug activity can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
