Cannabis factory worth up to £1 million found at Shropshire address
Up to £1 million worth of cannabis has been discovered by police during a raid on a Shropshire drugs factory.
West Mercia Police said officers swooped on an address on the Shropshire/Welsh border, arresting four men from the county.
The men, two aged 43 and two aged 38, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.
They have all been released on police bail until November while inquiries continue.
The force said it would not confirm where the raid happened in the county "due to the nature of the operation".
It could not say whether it took place on the Shropshire border with North Wales or Powys.
Detectives said today that the find was an "established and professional" cannabis factory with an estimated street value believed to be between £600,000 and £1 million.
Detective Sergeant Nicola Roberts said officers worked in partnership with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Power and Western Power to carry out the raid last week.
She said: "A substantial cannabis factory was uncovered with plants valued between £600,000 and £1 million.
"The set-up was an established and professional one which was generating large amounts of cannabis.
"It has taken two days to work on and remove the factory and its contents."
She added: "We would like to thank our partners who supported us during the execution of this warrant.
"Police will take drugs activity seriously and will close down set-ups such as these."
It was revealed earlier this year that West Mercia Police seized 5,035 cannabis plants in 2014.
The force said that about 12 people each week commit drug offences across Shropshire, but insisted officers are winning the battle against dealers.
A total of 1,801 people came into contact with officers for drug crime between 2012 and 2014 – which is equivalent to nearly 12 persons a week.
Almost half of these offences took place in Telford & Wrekin.
But, following a number of police operations, the numbers have decreased since 2012 when 640 drug-related incidents were recorded, compared to 526 last year.
There were 888 drug offences recorded in the borough between 2012 and 2014, and 913 across the rest of Shropshire.
DS Roberts added: "If anybody has any information about drugs activity in your communities please contact West Mercia Police by calling 101.
"Alternatively contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555111."
