Four held and drugs are seized in swoops

Four people were arrested and cannabis seized after police swooped on two homes in Brierley Hill. Officers discovered a small cannabis factory in two garden sheds.

Police raided an address in Westwood Street, just after 11am on Tuesday and discovered the plants and equipment in the two sheds.

A woman, aged 53, and a man, aged 55, were arrested on suspicion of possession and intent to supply a controlled drug.

Both were later bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers also raided a flat in Booth Court, Brierley Hill, at the same time and recovered bags of cannabis. A man and woman were arrested at the property.

A man, aged 35, was later charged with possession of a controlled drug, using a motor vehicle without insurance or a test certificate and driving without a licence.

He was given police bail to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on March 13.

Sgt Richard Evans, of supervisor for the Brierley Hill neighbourhood policing team, said: "The aim of the operation was to target the use of illegal drugs in the area in response to public concerns.

"Neighbourhood officers stopped and spoke with over 200 residents in the local area about the operation and the work we were doing to crack down on illegal drug use." Anyone with information or concerns is urged to call local police by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.