Machete, weapons and suspected cocaine seized across cannabis factories

We’ve seized a machete, weapons, suspected cocaine and a number of cannabis plants after finding two grows in Stoke-on-Trent.

Officers from the city proactive team went to a house on St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, on Saturday morning (17 May), as part of an investigation into drug cultivation in the area.

When officers forced their way into the house, 20 cannabis plants were found inside a bedroom, along with a quantity of white powder.

Then, another house was searched on Smithyfield Road, leading to the discovery of another cannabis grow spanning three rooms.

More than 100 cannabis plants were seized in total from both houses.

Sergeant Marc Proctor, from the city proactive team, said: “We’re determined to work closely with the city council to find those growing illegal drugs in Stoke-on-Trent and to take robust action.

“This type of crime often involves the exploitation of vulnerable people who are coerced into growing the drugs for serious criminal networks. They put people at risk, pose significant fire hazards to people living near them, and generate thousands of pounds for criminal gangs.

“These types of weapons and criminal networks have no place on our streets, and I can assure local communities that we will continue to target them across Staffordshire as proactively as possible.”

We’re working closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to target cannabis grows in council properties, privately rented homes and empty commercial buildings to combat the negative impact the drug has on local people.

Read more about the work we’ve been doing here