Nearly 5,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of almost £5 million were discovered at an industrial unit in Birmingham after engineers were called to investigate a power cut, police have confirmed.
Discovery at Industrial Unit
The find was made on Tuesday (July 25) at a unit in the city, after Western Power Distribution engineers reported a suspected electricity theft while attending to a power outage. Officers from West Midlands Police were alerted and upon attending the scene, they uncovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation.
Inside the unit, police found approximately 4,800 plants in various stages of growth, along with equipment used for the cultivation, including lighting, ventilation, and irrigation systems. The electricity supply had been illegally bypassed to power the operation, which is a common feature of such cannabis farms.
Police Response and Investigation
Sergeant Paul Gater, from West Midlands Police, said: "This was a significant discovery. The scale of the operation suggests it was a commercial venture, and we are now working to identify those responsible. The bypassing of the electricity supply is not only illegal but also poses a serious fire risk to neighbouring properties."
The plants were seized and will be destroyed, and forensic teams are examining the site for evidence. No arrests have been made so far, but police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Impact on the Community
The discovery highlights the ongoing issue of illegal cannabis cultivation in the West Midlands. In recent months, police have raided several similar operations across the region, often uncovering large-scale farms in industrial units, residential properties, and even former commercial premises.
Residents in the area have expressed shock at the find, with some noting that the unit appeared to be in normal use from the outside. The power cut that led to the discovery had caused disruption to local businesses, but engineers acted quickly to identify the cause.
West Midlands Police have urged landlords and business owners to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, such as unusual amounts of electricity usage, strong odours, or constant window coverings. They also reminded the public that cannabis cultivation is often linked to organised crime and can have serious consequences for the community.
