Police raid uncovers cannabis factory in loft of Telford house - with pictures

Police raided a house in Anstice Road, Madeley, Telford at 7.30am yesterday.

A man in his 40s was arrested and remains in custody with police investigations into the haul ongoing.

Officers from Donnington and Madeley Safer Neighbourhoods Team were involved in executing the drugs warrant.

PC Gareth Bee, who was involved in the investigation into the property said: "Reports have been coming in of cannabis being grown at an address.

"At 7.30am, we conducted a warrant under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act.

"We attended along with Telford CID."

PC Bee said officers were pleased that neighbours were getting in contact with the police when they become suspicious that houses are being used to grow drugs.

He said: "It is nice when people make reports to us and tell us and we are able to act swiftly to investigate, as we have this morning."

Following the bust police have released guidance to members of the public to help them sport when a property may be being used as a cannabis factory.

They include a strong, pungent smell coming from the building, electrical wiring that has been tampered with, powerful lights left on throughout the night, and blacked out windows.

Police have advised that properties can also be 'booby trapped', with electrical wiring rigged up to the door handles in some circumstances.

They have also said that people living near to cannabis factories may notice a sudden jump or increase in the cost of electricity bills.

There may also be large amounts of bin bags containing vegetable material put out by the building.

Landlords and letting agents are also advised to be wary of prospective tenants willing to pay months of rent in advance or in cash, or of tenants who will not allow access to certain rooms.

Anyone who does have suspicions should contact West Mercia Police on the non-emergency 101 number.

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.