Big spike in cannabis seizures by West Mercia Police over past year

The latest statistics from the Home Office show there were 2,118 seizures in the area covered by the force in 2014/15, compared with 1,818 the year before.

Meanwhile, seizures for Class A drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy and heroin, dropped over the same period, from 239 seizures in 2013/14 to 117 in 2014/15.

But the number of overall seizures of illegal drugs by the force actually increased by about 800 – rising from 2,617 in 2013/14 to 3,419 in 2014/15.

Police chiefs say they are taking a zero tolerance approach to drugs in the region and action is being taken where possible to crack down on illegal activity.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Moxley of West Mercia Police said: "Tackling drugs is one of our fundamental priorities and is pivotal in protecting our communities from harm.

"West Mercia Police is committed to reducing illegal drug use and we believe a rise in the number of seizures demonstrates our achievements at doing so.

"Our work with partners, communities, local authorities and health services plays a significant role in our ability to reduce drugs and address the issues behind drug use."

He said the force also relies on good relationships with residents to gather intelligence.

He said: "We see first hand the devastating impact drugs can have on our local communities and we will continue to demonstrate that drugs will not be tolerated in our areas.

"We are working hard to ensure that we link in with residents where we can to quickly take action where evidence suggests drug use is a problem. We can only do this with the support of the community and the increase in seizures reflects that ongoing work.

"All drugs negatively impact on communities and we therefore concentrate on where the greatest harm and disruption is taking place. Often this involves Class A drugs but action is always taken where communities are adversely impacted, irrespective of the type of drugs involved."

It comes after cannabis factories were found at two separate addresses in the Portley Road area of Dawley and a house in Churchway, Stirchley, during early morning raids last month.

Police said a number of plants worth in the region of £10,000 were discovered at the Dawley address.

In January, police officers also found a cannabis farm when they raided a house in Admiral Close, Shifnal, after being tipped off by the community.

Anyone with information about the supply or use of drugs can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.