Moment builders chase cannabis suspect with drone after finding £1m secret drugs factory hidden in old chicken farm

This is the moment builders chase a cannabis suspect with a drone after finding a £1million drug factory hidden inside a former chicken barn. Workers from Keystones Property Group attended a farm in Layer Marney, Essex, where they were due to refurbish two bungalows on the site.On August 28, 2026 contractors visited the site to inspect and measure the former chicken barns, which they had been asked to convert into storage units.But while inspecting the barns, they became 'concerned' after discovering that some of the buildings were secured, with windows covered and sealed, while ventilation equipment could be heard running inside.The contractors were then warned that 'guardians' were on site and told that, for their own safety, they needed to leave immediately.Drone footage filmed by the contractors shows the 'guardians' fleeing through the sprawling countryside before police captured them.One suspect in a black jumper, black shorts and a white baseball cap is seen trying to outrun the drone hovering above him as he tries to get away. Video from inside the compound shows a huge operation with rows of cannabis plants stretching through the large barn. Hundreds of plants were discovered at the £1million cannabis farm in Layer Marney, Essex, on August 28, 2026 Footage shows the moment that a drone operator tracks a suspect involved in the operation Hundreds of plants can be seen as the drone investigates the shocking drug operation. Essex Police found an 'extremely substantial cannabis cultivation operation', and a second large barn also appeared to have been undergoing preparation for similar use.A spokesman for Keystones Property Group said: 'There were extensive growing areas and ventilation systems, while separate living accommodation appeared to have been created for people staying at the site, including beds, cooking and food-storage facilities, washing facilities and other amenities.'A second large barn also appeared to have been undergoing preparation for similar use.'For us, however, the most concerning part of the incident was the potential danger our employees and contractors unknowingly faced.'We had been legitimately instructed to attend and carry out refurbishment and surveying works.'Had we known individuals were occupying other parts of the site, or that serious criminal activity was potentially taking place there, our staff and contractors would never have been put in that position.'Our team acted quickly when the situation became apparent, contacted the police and cooperated fully with responding officers.' Essex Police found an 'extremely substantial cannabis cultivation operation' at the site The force said a 24-year-old man 'has been arrested and released under investigation on suspicion of cannabis cultivation'Keystones Property and Keystones Maintenance Ltd first visited the farm on July 24, 2026.They were approached regarding the letting and refurbishment of two bungalows and the potential commercial use of the large chicken barns.Following that meeting, they were provided with keys to the properties and started refurbishing one of the bungalows.A spokesman said: 'On Friday, I attended the site with two of our contractors to inspect and measure the barns so that we could develop the proposal further.'While inspecting the area, we noticed a number of things that caused us concern.'Certain buildings were secured, windows appeared to have been covered or sealed, and we could hear what sounded like substantial ventilation equipment operating from within one of the buildings.'At around midday, contractors realised that other people were occupying or guarding parts of the site.They phoned the police, and at this point encountered 'guardians' on the site.A spokesman said: 'A drone was deployed from a safe position, which provided footage of individuals leaving the area.'Police attended shortly afterwards, and I returned to the site.'What officers subsequently discovered inside the buildings appeared to be an extremely substantial cannabis cultivation operation.'After chasing the suspect across the fields with a drone, the builders watched as he was captured by police.Essex Police have confirmed that a 24-year-old man has been arrested.A Keystones Management Group spokesman said: 'We would like to thank Essex Police and the officers who attended for their response and professionalism.'As this remains a police matter, we will not speculate publicly about who was responsible for the operation or what any individual may or may not have known. 'We will continue to provide Essex Police with any information that may assist their investigation.'A spokesperson for Essex Police said: 'Officers are at the scene of a suspected cannabis cultivation in the Layer Marney area.'We were called to reports of the cultivation in Clears Road at about 1pm on Friday 28 August, and officers remain in the area while we make enquiries and secure the scene.'A 24-year-old man of no fixed abode has been arrested and released under investigation on suspicion of cannabis cultivation. Our investigation is ongoing.'