Police have dismantled one of the largest cannabis farms ever discovered in Birmingham, seizing plants with an estimated street value of £9.5 million.
The major operation took place at a property on Grove Lane in Lozells, where officers uncovered a sophisticated and extensive drug cultivation setup.
Massive Haul and Arrests
Inside the address, police found a staggering 9,488 cannabis plants at various stages of growth. The discovery led to the arrest of five men, aged 21, 32, 32, 36, and 37, on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, burglary, and possession of a Class B drug.
All five individuals have since been released on bail as West Midlands Police continue their investigations into the sophisticated operation.
A Central Distribution Hub
Authorities believe the Lozells property was not just a standard cannabis farm but functioned as a central distribution hub for the wider region.
Evidence supporting this includes the discovery of hundreds of baby plants, known as propagators, ready for distribution to other, smaller-scale farms. This find indicates the site played a crucial role in a larger supply network.
Photographs released by the police reveal a professional-grade hydroponic set-up designed for maximum yield, filling the entire interior of the property.
Significant Blow to Organised Crime
Sergeant Harj Cheema, from the force's Cannabis Disposal Team, described the raid as an absolutely fantastic outcome.
This major supply network has been disrupted, Sgt. Cheema stated, emphasising that the cannabis was destined for streets across the West Midlands area.
The raid, which occurred on 19 November, represents a substantial dent in the region's illegal drug trade, removing a multi-million pound operation from circulation.
