A CANNABIS farm estimated to be worth almost £500,000 was discovered in Kidderminster town centre this morning (Monday, November 25).
The grow was found after a warrant was carried out in the early hours at the former Bank of Scotland building.
Officers from Kidderminster’s Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and Proactive CID executed the warrant after concerns were raised about the smell of cannabis coming from the building.
When officers entered, they found more than 650 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of over £480,000.
Two men in their 30s were arrested at the scene on suspicion of production of cannabis. Both remain in police custody as further enquiries are carried out.
‘Fantastic result for the officers’
Det Sgt Kirsty Hill, from the North Worcestershire County Lines team, said: “This is a fantastic result which has seen us remove a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets.
“This was a sophisticated operation with specialist lighting and ventilation systems to maximise the number of class B drugs that could be cultivated.
“These grows are often linked to serious and organised crime groups, human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable people, and can present significant fire safety risks to the people in the surrounding area.
“This warrant sends a clear message, that we will not tolerate criminal activity within our communities, and we will act upon information provided by members of the public.”
Police say the local community can help the force by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity. Any bit of information, no matter how big or small, could make a big difference, say officers.
Witnesses or anyone with information can report it online – on the West Mercia Police website here – or by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This investigation forms part of Operation Target – the police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.
