Police in Birmingham have dismantled what is believed to be one of the largest cannabis cultivation sites ever found in the region, with a street value estimated at a staggering £9.5 million.
Major Raid on Grove Lane
Officers from West Midlands Police executed a raid on a property on Grove Lane in the Lozells area on November 19. Inside, they discovered an extensive and sophisticated cannabis farming operation.
The scale of the find was immense, with authorities confiscating a total of 9,488 plants in various stages of growth. The police have described the site as a central hub, or supply factory, for distributing cannabis to other, smaller farms across the area.
Five Suspects Arrested and Bailed
During the operation, five men were detained on suspicion of multiple offences linked to the illegal enterprise. Those arrested are:
- A 37-year-old man
- A 36-year-old man
- Two men aged 32
- A 21-year-old man
The suspected charges include cannabis cultivation, burglary, and possession of a Class B drug. All five individuals have since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.
A "Central Supply Factory" Disrupted
A police spokesperson emphasised the significance of the discovery, stating it was clearly a major distribution point. The presence of hundreds of propagators containing baby plants ready for distribution highlighted its role in supplying a wider network.
Sergeant Harj Cheema, from the force's dedicated Cannabis Disposal Team, hailed the operation as an "absolutely fantastic outcome." He confirmed that the raid had successfully disrupted a major supply network that would have been feeding cannabis across the West Midlands.
This seizure represents a substantial blow to organised crime in the region and underscores the ongoing efforts of West Midlands Police to combat large-scale drug production and distribution.
