Staffordshire Police have uncovered a substantial cannabis cultivation operation at a residential property in Tamworth, with the illicit farm estimated to be worth around £50,000. The discovery was made following reports of electricity bypassing at an address off Watling Street last November.
Details of the Discovery
Officers responding to concerns about electricity meter tampering found approximately 43 mature cannabis plants being cultivated using illegally diverted power. The sophisticated growing equipment was being powered through an unauthorised connection, bypassing the property's electricity meter entirely.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following an extensive investigation into the operation, police arrested a 27-year-old Tamworth man on Tuesday, January 20. He was detained on suspicion of multiple offences including:
- Producing a controlled Class B drug (cannabis)
- Criminal damage to property valued under £5,000
- Abstracting and using electricity without authority
The suspect has since been released under investigation while police continue their enquiries into the sophisticated cultivation setup.
Community Appeal for Information
Staffordshire Police are actively appealing to the local community for any additional information that might assist their ongoing investigation. A police spokesperson confirmed: "We are appealing for anyone with any information which might help our investigation to contact us."
Members of the public can provide information through multiple channels:
- Call 101, quoting incident reference 439 of November 18
- Use the Live Chat function on the Staffordshire Police website
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Ongoing Police Efforts
This discovery forms part of Staffordshire Police's continued efforts to combat drug production and distribution across the region. The force emphasised the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activity, particularly concerning unusual electricity usage or properties showing signs of cultivation operations.
The investigation remains active, with police following multiple lines of enquiry to determine the full extent of the operation and identify any potential connections to wider criminal networks.
