Drugs seized in Telford house raid

A £100,000 cannabis factory was discovered during a police swoop on a house in Telford today.

Police made the discovery after smashing their way into a Victorian terraced house in Wellington. The entire first floor of the property in Watling Street was given over to cannabis growing – with more than 100 plants seized along with sophisticated hydroponics equipment.

No one was in the house at the time of the raid and no arrests have been made.

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But police say it did seem to be 'lived in' and they are now making inquiries to trace the occupiers for questioning.

More than 10 officers from Wellington and Telford were involved in the raid – but had to wait to take away the plants until the house was made safe as the electricity supply had been diverted to power the operation.

Inspector Richard Langton, of the local policing team at Wellington, said officers received information a property in Watling Street was being used to cultivate cannabis.

He said: "Officers from Wellington police and Telford police executed a warrant at 8am under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a three-bedroom Victorian terraced property.

"The first floor was given over to cannabis production and in excess of 100 plants, at various stages of development, were found.

"We normally say that one plant can generate up to £1,000 a year, so you are potentially talking more than £100,000 worth of cannabis. It is a significant find."

Inspector Langton said: "It is good that in the New Year we are able to send out an early message that we are straight back at it.

"Some people seem to think that because it is legal to buy hydroponics equipment it is acceptable to grow cannabis. It is not – it is an illegal drug and a criminal offence."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.