Arrests made following drugs find

Three men, aged 36, 40 and 49, were arrested at the scene of a huge cannabis farm near Telford on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.

The grow was discovered on Friday (May 30) after officers carrying out a foot patrol in the area were approached by a member of the public who raised concerns about a derelict property on Neachley Lane. 

When officers attended the address it was quickly discovered the building was housing an illegal cannabis farm. 

Officers then entered the property where they discovered 1,116 plants at various stages of growth across 15 rooms. It is estimated that the street value of the plants is around £1million.

Inspector Damien Kelly, from Shifnal and Albrighton’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Cannabis farms like to this are often linked to serious and organised crime gangs, the drugs they sell have a negative impact on our communities and can lead to other localised criminality.

“Shutting down this grow shows we will not tolerate criminal activity within our communities, and that we will listen to people’s concerns. 

“Thanks to the member of the public who approached myself and my colleague whilst we conducted a foot patrol. Officers were then able to act quickly to discover and shut down this grow, which also led to three people being arrested at the scene.

“It goes to show the powerful role residents can play in supporting the vital work local Safer Neighbourhood Teams do in protecting local communities from criminality.”

The men have since been released on bail as enquiries continue.