Bobbies on the beat uncover £1m cannabis grow near Cosford after tip-off from the public
Bobbies on the beat uncovered a cannabis grow worth an estimated £1m near Cosford.
Shifnal & Albrighton Police posted about the discovery on social media, revealing that officers had found 1,116 plants at various stages of growth across 15 rooms of a derelict site.
Three men, aged 36, 40 and 49, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis cultivation, and have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Police confirmed the discovery came after information provided while out on the beat in Albrighton.
A post on social media explained: "On Friday (May 30) Inspector Damien Kelly and PC Cummings from Shifnal & Albrighton Safer Neighbourhood Team were conducting a foot patrol through Albrighton engaging with members of the public.
"While out in the local community information was given to them about suspicious activities at a derelict site near to Cosford.
"Officers acted on the information and discovered a suspected cannabis grow, where 1,160 plants were found, with an estimated street value of over £1 million.
"Three men were arrested at the location on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and have since been released on police bail as officers continue with lines of enquiry.
"Thank you for your help, it is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime."
Speaking following the incident Insp Kelly 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."
