Police in raid on £1m cannabis factory

A £1 million cannabis factory has been uncovered in the latest drugs raid in the Black Country.

More than 3,000 plants were found after police raided a unit at the Fisher Street Industrial Unit in Tipton.

Officers from West Midlands CID executed a drugs warrant after local officers raised suspicions that the vacant property was being used to grow the illegal drug.

As well as thousands of plants, police also seized ventilation and lighting materials during the raid and deconstructed a large hydroponic set-up that is used to create the perfect growing conditions.

Det Insp Wayne Jones said: "Local officers were initially sent round to investigate.

"The officers said there was something not right about the premises because of the 24 hour a day activity there, and fans in use, which is the typical thing you get in the big drugs set-ups."

Mr Jones said the estimated value of the haul was at least £1 million.

He added: "We are extremely pleased with the results of this raid, and believe it sends out a clear message to criminals — we are cracking down on drug crime.

"The seized cannabis has now been destroyed.

"Drugs will not be tolerated in Sandwell and we will continue to concentrate our efforts to stamp out drug related crime for good.

"We would also like to remind commercial landlords to regularly check their rented or vacant premises, to make sure they are not being used unlawfully."

Two Vietnamese illegal immigrants aged 32 and 16 were charged in connection with the raid that took place on Monday last week and have been remanded in custoday.

The drugs factory is the latest to be uncovered in the region in recent weeks.

Last month a £360,000 cannabis factory with 900 plants was uncovered on the Sandwell Business Park in Smethwick.