Cannabis factories in Alton and Bordon were raided by Hampshire Constabulary during Operation Brightwill, a day of action in East Hampshire on December 12.

Operation Brightwill was a collaboration of a range of policing departments with help from East Hampshire District Council.

The aim was to respond to community concerns such as shoplifting and dangerous driving while using local intelligence to target criminality on a larger scale.

In Alton and Bordon, with help from drones, police executed a warrant and searched two suspected cannabis factories. Hundreds of cannabis plants were discovered in both locations.

Three people, all of no fixed abode, were charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis, a Class B controlled drug. They are Rubin Paci, 21, in connection with the Alton factory, plus Tan Van Hoang, 18, and a 16-year-old boy, both in connection with the factory in Bordon. They were all remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on January 15.

The roads policing unit caught a disqualified driver, and shoplifting operations in Alton and Petersfield saw just under £1,000 worth of goods recovered and four people reported for summons.

DCI Ross Toms said: “The success of this day of action is due to the great collaborative efforts from many teams across the force, but would not have been possible without the invaluable information and intelligence provided by the public.

“As members of the local community, we need your knowledge to help us build a comprehensive picture of what is happening in our towns and villages.

“The insight you provide by reporting to us gives us the ability to carry out operations such as this one and to use our resources to the best possible advantage.”