Drug plants seized in raid

Hundreds of cannabis plants with a potential street value of at least £500,000 were seized by police today during a raid on a "drugs factory" in Telford.

A house was sealed off by officers after the discovery of the illegal drug growing operation in Sutton Hill.

A man in his early 20s, who is believed to be of Oriental origin, was arrested at the mid-terrace property on suspicion of the possession and production of the Class B drug and abstracting electricity.

He is in custody at Malinsgate Police Station where he is due to be questioned later by detectives over the find at the home in Stebbings.

Police are believed to have been keeping a watch on the property after receiving a tip-off.

About 14 officers, including community support officers, were involved in the raid on the home at about 11am.

Forensics officers were also on scene to carry out examinations of the property.

More than 500 cannabis plants are estimated to have been growing in three rooms upstairs and in one room on the ground floor.

Derek Holland, the local policing inspector for south Telford, said: "We have executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act. We have been working on some intelligence we have received.

"There were some concerns that the property was being used for drugs-related activity.

"We attended the premises and forced entry and found a cannabis factory."

Mr Holland said that it was believed there were in excess of 500 plants at the property, which could have a street value of at least £500,000.