Raid on old Pelsall shop finds 200 cannabis plants
About 200 cannabis plants – thought to be worth more than £50,000 – were discovered at a disused shop in Pelsall.
Police were called to the former shop in the village by a member of the public who had spotted some suspicious activity.
When they arrived, officers found the plants were covering all three floors of the building in Mouse Hill. Heat lamps were being used to cultivate the cannabis but no-one was present.
Electricians had to be called to help make the building safe, while plants and a hydroponic growing system have all now been destroyed.
Forensic tests have been carried out at the former shop, and inquiries are taking place.
Police have now issued an appeal for anyone who has seen anything suspicious to get in touch.
Dc Eliot Burns, from West Midlands Police CID, said: "Some people may be under the illusion that cannabis is a harmless drug.
"The reality is quite different. We know that cannabis farms cultivate more than drugs – they are often managed by organised gangs who are heavily involved in gun crime, money laundering, human trafficking and serious violence.
"The electricity supply fuelling the heaters which create a tropical environment for the plants is almost always illegally connected to the mains supply by unqualified electricians, putting neighbouring properties at serious risk of fire. I would strongly urge people with suspicions about cannabis farms in their area to call us."
The discovery was made at 5pm on Sunday, and the building was sealed off while investigations were carried out.
Police today issued advice for spotting signs a cannabis farm may be in a property.
This includes gardening equipment such as fertiliser and compost being taken into properties, frequent visitors who call at unusual times and curtains or blinds which are permanently closed.
Unusual smells and heat can also indicate an artificial climate is being created for the tropical plants.
Figures revealed in 2011 show the number of cannabis factories discovered in the region has risen by 218 per cent in recent years.
A specialist West Midlands Police squad to tackle the issue was set up in October 2011.
There were 775 factories discovered in the West Midlands in 2009-10, compared with 203 in 2007-08.
