Police called to suspected break-in in Wolverhampton find hundreds of cannabis plants and three suspects

Officers were called to reports of a group of men breaking into a building in Owen Road, Merridale at around 6.20am on Saturday (January 18).

By the time they got there, the men had already left the scene.

But upon searching the premises, police discovered around 300 cannabis plants and growing equipment. 

Two men and a woman inside the property were arrested.

The men are said to have been handed to immigration officials.

A woman was arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and abstracting electricity. She has been bailed as police continue their enquiries.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a group of men breaking into a property in Owen Road, Merridale, at just after 6.20am on Saturday (18 January). Officers arrived within minutes but the men had already left the scene. 

"On searching the premises around 300 cannabis plants were found along with growing equipment. Two men were also found inside the building and they were detained before being handed over to immigration officials. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and abstracting electricity. She has been bailed as enquiries continue. 

"Anyone with information can call us on 101 or message via Live Chat on our website quoting crime reference 20/116868/25."

A resident who lives in the area told the Express & Star he heard the commotion as he was preparing to go for a bike ride. 

He said: "The police were banging on the front door but couldn't get in, so they got ladders and got in through the roof. They had to take tiles off the roof to get in.

"I went away on my bike ride, and when I came back the door had been taken off from the inside.

"I couldn't see the drugs but I could smell a strong smell.

"I'm not surprised that this has happened in our area, it is always happening."