Man arrested after police found him with hundreds of cannabis plants worth £173,000 in Telford raid

One man has been arrested after the raid, which was carried out by the Telford Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and Brookside and The Nedge Safer Neighbourhood Teams, on a property on Bishopdale in Brookside.

West Mercia Police said that when officers entered the property they found 207 mature plants, which hold an estimated street value of around £173,000.

They said there was also evidence within the property to suggest the electricity supply had been tampered with.

One man, 23, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of production of cannabis.

Officers said he remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Sergeant Matt Corfield, from the NCFT, said: “We executed today’s warrant in response to concerns within the local community, and upon entering the property, we discovered around more than 200 plants.

“We are pleased to have disrupted this illegal enterprise, which may be linked to an organised criminal gang whose actions reap harm on the communities we are here to protect and serve.

“The drugs they sell have a negative impact on our communities and can lead to other criminality, or the harm and exploitation of vulnerable people.

“Shutting down this grow shows we will not tolerate criminal activity within our communities, and that we will act on information provided to us by the public.”

A statement from the police added: "The local community can help officers by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity – the easiest way to do this is on our website. Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference. You can report online under the Report A Crime section at West Mercia Police.

"If you have information about drugs and drugs supply and don’t want to speak to police, you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/."