'Often tied to organised crime groups' - Large cannabis grow recovered from farm building
Two men were arrested after a cannabis grow of approximately 1,500 plants was discovered by police at a site in Kempsey this morning, Tuesday, November 26.
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Officers from West Mercia Police's South Worcestershire Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) executed a warrant at a farm building off Bestmans Lane.
They used force to enter the building following concerns raised by National Grid over irregular power usage at the location.
Upon entry they discovered approximately 1,500 mature plants and vacuum-packed crops growing in five rooms, together with horticultural growing products and multiple power transformers and sockets.
Officers arrested two men, aged 24 and 33, on suspicion of production of cannabis at the site who are now helping police with their enquiries into this investigation.
National Grid attended to make the power supply safe, and the crop was due to be removed by waste services later.
Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Malvern, Dave Wise, said: “This morning, officers from SNT and NCFT executed a warrant at a site in Kempsey following concerns raised by National Grid about the power supply to the building.
“We arrested two men and discovered approximately 1,500 plants which will now be safely destroyed as we continue our ongoing efforts to tackle illegal drug cultivation in the south of the county.
“Large-scale cannabis grows are often tied to organised crime groups, whose activities fuel further criminality, including modern slavery. Tackling these operations is vital to protecting our communities and keeping them safe from harm."
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police, said: "Anyone who believes there may be an illegal grow or criminal activity in their community is urged to report it to us via our website Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.
"Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
"This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime. New operation launched to target serious and organised crime | West Mercia Police.
