Cannabis grow spanning two buildings found

We are appealing for information after finding a cannabis grow spanning two adjoining buildings in Great Wryley.

We received a number of reports from local residents recently who had noticed signs that the addresses were being used to cultivate cannabis.

As a result, we carried out a warrant on Hut Hill Lane on Friday (7 July) and recovered more than 200 cannabis plants and growing equipment from inside.

A number of floors in each of the addresses were being used to grow the drugs. We contacted Western Power who ensured the electrics were made safe.

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton said: “I’d like to thank the local community for reporting their concerns to us and helping us to compile enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.

“All of the plants have been seized and work is continuing at pace to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“I’d encourage those who spot the signs of cannabis cultivation to report their concerns to us so we can take appropriate action and tackle the supply of illegal drugs in Staffordshire.”

These signs include:

• A strong smell of cannabis coming from a building or open windows
• High levels of condensation on the windows
• Blacked-out windows
• Large amounts of delivery vehicles shipping items to and from the address
• Constant buzz of ventilation
• Strong lighting which is constant day or night
• Lots of power cables – lights, dehumidifiers and heaters use a lot of energy, so growers will often hack electricity wires before the meter of the property to bypass electricity bills
• Unsociable comings and goings

Anyone with any information, particularly those with CCTV and doorbell footage from the area are asked to get in touch.

Call us on 101, quoting incident 636 of 7 July, or message us using Live Chat on our website – www.staffordshire.police.uk

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are.