Dozens of bin bags filled with cannabis plants were dumped in a small British village – and could be dangerous.

The pile of around 50 bags filled with “remnants” of the plants were fly-tipped in Henstead, near Lowestoft in Suffolk, and East Suffolk Council warns they could pose a health risk to the public.

A spokeswoman for East Suffolk Council said: “The waste contained remnants from cannabis plants and, as a result, may contain spores which can be harmful to health.

“As with all fly-tipping incidents, we will be undertaking a full investigation to try to find those responsible.

“The waste will be removed in due course, using specialist equipment and, in the meantime, we would ask members of the public not to interfere with the waste.”

Spore danger

The plants are believed to host aspergillus spores, a type of mould which, if inhaled, can cause chest infections or allergic reactions.

People with lung conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis are more at risk from the spores.

Suffolk Police is working with the council to investigate the fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping of controlled waste is “a serious criminal offence” which carries a fine of up to £50,000 or even prison time.

In the UK, cannabis is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which means it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.

Possession is punishable by up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both, while supplying and producing it can land offenders inside for up to 14 years and/or an unlimited fine.