West Midlands Police have successfully disrupted two substantial cannabis growing operations in separate areas of Birmingham, resulting in the seizure of more than 700 plants with a combined street value believed to surpass £700,000. The coordinated raids, which took place over two consecutive days, highlight ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in residential communities.
Major Hockley Operation Uncovered
The first police intervention occurred on Friday, January 30, when officers executed a warrant at a property on Icknield Street in the Hockley district, located near Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter. During this meticulously planned operation, law enforcement discovered an extensive cannabis cultivation setup containing more than 650 mature plants.
All seized vegetation was immediately destroyed following the raid to prevent any potential distribution. As part of their investigation, police arrested Adrian Tresa, a 29-year-old individual with no fixed address, who has subsequently been charged with cannabis production.
Court Proceedings Underway
Tresa made an initial appearance at Birmingham Magistrates' Court earlier this week, where he was remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings scheduled for next month. This arrest represents a significant development in the police's ongoing campaign against organised drug cultivation within the city.
Residential Street Discovery in Selly Oak
In a follow-up operation on Saturday, January 31, neighbourhood police officers acting on specific community intelligence conducted a pre-planned raid at a residential property on Wallace Road in Selly Oak. This location, described as a quiet cul-de-sac situated off Pershore Road and backing onto the Pebble Mill playing fields, revealed a surprisingly sophisticated cannabis growing operation.
Officers discovered 51 carefully cultivated plants within the property, demonstrating how drug operations can infiltrate even the most unsuspecting residential areas. No arrests have been made in connection with this particular discovery, though police confirm their investigation remains active as they pursue those responsible.
Community Intelligence Crucial
West Midlands Police have emphasised the vital role that community information plays in their operational success. A police spokesperson stated: "Officers in Birmingham have been listening to local concerns about drug crime, and have acted quickly to shut down these separate cannabis farms."
The statement further explained: "Every piece of information helps us make communities a harder place for criminals to hide, so keep the reports coming and we'll keep taking action." This result visibly demonstrates what happens when residents report suspicious activities occurring on their streets.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
Police enquiries continue regarding both operations, with authorities particularly focused on identifying individuals connected to the Selly Oak cultivation site. Law enforcement has issued specific reference numbers for each case to facilitate information sharing from the public.
For the Hockley operation, residents should quote log 291 of January 30 when providing information, while the Selly Oak investigation corresponds to log 724 of January 31. The public can contact police through multiple channels:
- Calling the non-emergency number 101
- Using the online Live Chat service
- Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
These successful operations underscore West Midlands Police's commitment to addressing drug-related criminal activity through proactive community engagement and rapid response to intelligence reports. The removal of these cultivation sites represents a significant disruption to local drug supply networks while reinforcing the message that residential areas will not be tolerated as bases for illegal operations.
