Police have uncovered a major cannabis cultivation operation in Birmingham, seizing an estimated 1,000 plants with a potential street value running into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Forced Entry Leads to Discovery
Officers from West Midlands Police executed a warrant at a premises on Proctor Street in the Nechells area in the early hours of Monday, 19 January. They were forced to use cutting equipment to gain entry to the shuttered property.
Upon entering, they discovered a sophisticated set-up for growing cannabis on a significant scale. The building had been converted into an illegal drugs factory, housing the large haul of plants.
Investigation Ongoing After Seizure
No one was present inside the property at the time of the raid, and as of yet, no arrests have been made in connection with the discovery. The force has confirmed that all of the seized plants will be destroyed.
The building has been sealed off as a crime scene while detectives carry out forensic examinations and pursue a number of active lines of enquiry. A police presence remained at the address on Lord Street throughout the morning following the operation.
Appeal for Information from the Public
In an official statement, a police spokesman detailed the operation: "Officers carried out a warrant at an address on Proctor Street early this morning. After forcing their way inside, they found and recovered more than 1,000 cannabis plants."
The force is now urging anyone with information to come forward. They have asked the public to quote log number 480 of 19 January when contacting them.
Information can be provided by:
- Calling 101
- Using the Live Chat function on the West Midlands Police website
- Contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
The discovery and dismantling of this facility represents a significant blow to local organised criminal activity involved in drug production and supply.
