- Sir Benjamin Slade, 75, rented out his Somerset castle earlier this year
- He was completely unaware a criminal gang was growing cannabis in his estate
- Police took two days to dismantle and remove the elaborate cannabis farm
- One man, Trung Nam Pham, 39, has been charged following the drugs bust
Police have discovered a huge cannabis farm in an aristocrat’s castle, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Officers spent two days removing plants and equipment from Woodlands Castle, which is owned by eccentric peer Sir Benjamin Slade. It is understood Sir Benjamin rented out the 17th Century property in Somerset earlier this year and there is no suggestion he was aware of any illegal activity.
Police vans were seen at the castle last Tuesday and officers were still searching it on Thursday.
Sir Benjamin Slade rented out the property earlier this year and was completely unaware that drugs were being grown in the location
Woodlands Castle, set in 12 acres of parkland, is a well-known luxury wedding venue in Ruishton, six miles from Sir Benjamin’s 13th Century ancestral home, Maunsel House, pictured
Woodlands Castle, set in 12 acres of parkland, is a well-known luxury wedding venue in Ruishton, six miles from Sir Benjamin’s 13th Century ancestral home, Maunsel House.
A police spokesman said: ‘A man has been charged with production of controlled drug B following a discovery of suspected cannabis plants at an address in Ruishton.’
Trung Nam Pham, 39, of no fixed address, appeared before Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody pending a crown court hearing.
The spokesman added: ‘Two further individuals were arrested in connection with this incident. Enquiries continue.’
UK: Police find huge cannabis farm inside Sir Benjamin Slade’s 17th Century castle which took two days to remove after he rented it out
