Officers continue to tackle cannabis plant cultivation across county
We are continuing to disrupt the drug supply across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as three substantial cannabis grows were discovered recently.
Earlier today (Wednesday 12 April), armed officers attended a property off Cappers Lane in Lichfield where they discovered a large cannabis grow of more than 500 plants.
Two men, aged 23 and 30, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of concerned in the supply of class B drugs. They remain in police custody. Officers currently remain in the area carrying out patrols to reassure the local community.
DI Tim Boulton, who is leading the investigation, said: “These are significant arrests for us and we will continue to monitor the location while our investigation continues.”
It comes as, yesterday (Tuesday 11 April), officers seized more than 90 cannabis plants from an address near Wedgwood Street in Burslem.
The property has since been secured.
A separate grow was discovered at an address near Goms Hill Road in Longton on 25 March.
Around 180 cannabis plants were found at the property and seized by officers.
We are not treating the incidents as linked.
PC Benjamin Green, of Longton Police Station, who discovered the Longton grow, said: “We were first alerted to the property because it was in a state of disrepair.
“When we visited, we were concerned there may be casualties inside, so we entered and found the whole upstairs of the property, including the loft, being used as a cannabis farm.
“There was also a significant amount of growing equipment downstairs which we seized along with the plants.
“Thankfully, we found no casualties though we are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.”
The latest discoveries comes as the force continues its dedicated Operation Levidrome, aimed at disrupting the supply and cultivation of drugs in Staffordshire.
Since its launch in 2021, we have discovered more than 300 cannabis cultivations as well as invested in specialist equipment and tools to assist officers in identifying and seizing drug-related material.
There are various clues which can indicate a property is being used for drug cultivation, including:
· A pungent smell emitting from the address
· Condensation of windows, even in warmer months
· Blocked-out windows or strong lighting emanating from them
· A large amount of deliveries at the address
· A constant buzz from ventilation
· A large amount of power cables.
For more information on cannabis cultivations, visit: Cannabis farms | Staffordshire Police.
To report any suspected grows in your area, please contact us by calling 101.
To share any information relating to the Lichfield, Burton and Longton grows, contact us through Live Chat on our website, or call 101, quoting incident number 476 of 11 April.
Always call 999 in an emergency.