Images show mammoth scale of £2.2 million drugs factory in Wednesbury
Images show the mammoth scale of a £2.2 million drugs factory uncovered by police after a report of suspicious activity at a Wednesbury unit.
Officers from West Midlands Police raided the drugs factory on Old Park Road in Wednesbury and made a discovery of nearly 2,000 cannabis plants.
It took officers ten hours to clear out and dismantle the factory in an operation that involved police from Wednesbury and Tipton and the West Midlands Fire Service.
No one was present at the unit and no arrests were made.
Officers have now launched an investigation to find those responsible.
The clean-up effort involved removing the huge cannabis plants, along with growing equipment, extractor fans and making the site safe due to fire concerns.
A spokesman for Wednesbury Town Police said: "We have seized almost 2,000 cannabis plants from a Wednesbury industrial unit.
"At around 8.20am yesterday morning, we received a call reporting suspicious activity at the unit on Old Park Road. Once inside, officers found hundreds of cannabis plants along with extractor fans and growing equipment."
Officers quickly got to work clearing the cannabis factory, making the area fire safe and dismantling any growing equipment.
A spokesman for Wednesbury Town Police continued: "Wednesbury neighbourhood team has been working tirelessly over the past 24 hours, with West Midlands Tech Rescue, dismantling a cannabis factory of 2000 plants.
"Due to safety issues, fire brought in additional safety equipment to help as we tackle plants on a DIY 2nd floor."
Pictures from the scene show a mammoth-sized pile of bagged cannabis plants cleared from the factory.
The police spokesman added: "Ten hours of clearing later and our local cannabis factory has been made safe by fire, and cleared out.
"Approximate street value of all plants, £2.2 million. Thanks for the help Tipton Police and West Midlands Fire and Rescue."
West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information to get in touch via their 101 number, or alternatively via their Live Chat on their website quoting 20/814457/23.
