Two men arrested after separate cannabis grows found on same street

We have arrested two men after unearthing three sophisticated cannabis grows on the same street in Stoke-on-Trent.

A team of proactive officers searched the three addresses today (4 March) near Salisbury Street in Tunstall.

We found a number of plants, electrical equipment and growing tools which have all been seized as part of separate investigations.

Dangerous electricity bypasses at the sites were also isolated to make sure the area was made safe for those living nearby.

A 24-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

Another man, aged 20, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis.

Both are being questioned in custody this afternoon.

The activity forms part of our continued approach to tackling serious and organised crime under Operation Levidrome.

Sophisticated grows are often linked to wider criminality and can involve vulnerable people being exploited by career criminals for profit.

The grows are often made possible by stealing electric and setting up dangerous rigs that can cause significant fire hazards and put people in danger.

It’s vital that we continue to work closely with local people to act on intelligence and proactively target those who are involved in organised crime across Staffordshire.

To read more about how you can help to spot the signs of a grow, visit: Staffordshire Police increase efforts to target and disrupt cannabis cultivations | Staffordshire Police