Police have discovered and raided a "significant" cannabis factory that was situated right next to the Bank of England in Central London after a "strong smell of cannabis" was reported in the area.
City of London Police said that the January 14 raid discovered 826 class B drug plants, after the smell was reported the previous day, leading to a raid on the premises in Throgmorton Street.
Now dubbed the 'Dank of England', the location was the first cannabis farm to be discovered in the City of London area, with criminals having looked to take advantage of quiet streets in and around central during lockdown.
Throgmorton Street is situated on the northeast corner of the iconic Bank of England building, ironically a short walk from the City of London magistrates court.
"A significant 'cannabis factory' of 826 plants has been dismantled and destroyed by officers from the City of London Police," the Met Police said in a statement. "The initial discovery was made on the afternoon of Wednesday 13 January, following reports of a strong smell of cannabis, and a warrant was obtained to enter the premises on Thursday 14 January."
Detective Inspector Andy Spooner, the investigation lead, added: "This is the first cannabis factory in the City, no doubt being set up in response to fewer people being out and about during the pandemic who might have noticed any unusual activity. However, this demonstrates that City of London Police continues to actively police the Square Mile, bearing down on any crime committed here."
