Police uncovered around 170 cannabis plants in what is believed to be a sophisticated Vietnamese cannabis factory.
Plymouth Live has learned that two PCSOs carring out a routine series of inquiries were in Brownlow Street at around 10 on June 5 when they saw a man leave a property.
The man, described as being of 'oriental' appearance, appeared well dressed and the two PCSOs began to engage in conversation with him, purely as part of their inquiries into another matter.
However, it is understood that as the genial conversation continued, the man's use of English become harder to comprehend. Appearing somewhat agitated, the man made a call on his mobile phone purportedly to a family member, spoke in a language believed to be Vietnamese, before passing the phone to one of the officers.
However, as police attempted to speak to the 'family member' on the phone, the man took to his heels at great speed, leaving his phone behind and two somewhat stunned PCSOs.
Sgt Hayley Manning told Plymouth Live: "The officers began to check the property the man had left and I was called to the address. Checking through the letter box you could feel a cool breeze and hear fans running. All the curtains were shut and as a result of our suspicions we went to Plymouth Magistrates' Court and sought a warrant."
Officers then returned to the address and forced entry.
Inside the semi-detatched property they discovered a set of nursery cannabis plants on the ground floor, but upstairs they found a sophisticated set up with around 170 large plants.
Sgt Manning said: "We suspect, from the kind of set up and information we gathered inside, that this was a Vietnamese-style cannabis factory.
"The man the officers had spoken to was well dressed and was only being spoken to as part of our community engagement with residents in the area. There was nothing at the time to suspect any criminality.
"Ironically, had he just waited for the checks to pan out he would have probably been left to go on his way. As it was, him fleeing the scene raised our suspicions."
No arrests have been made at this stage and the occupant is still outstanding. The cannabis and equipment was later seized by police.
Anyone with information about the matter is urged to call police on 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number CR/049845/19
