Pubdate: Fri, 08 Feb 2013
Source: Worcester News (UK)
Copyright: 2013 Newsquest Media Group
Contact: http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/wnlettertoeditor/
Website: http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4745
Author: James Connell

STOURPORT CANNABIS FACTORY: SIX STILL BEING QUESTIONED AFTER BUST

CANNABIS is still being removed and six people questioned after a raid
on one of the biggest drugs factories ever discovered in
Worcestershire.

Six people were still being questioned today in connection with the
discovery of a huge cannabis factory on the outskirts of Stourport.

A total of 14 arrests were made after approximately 2,000 cannabis
plants in various stages of development were found early yesterday in
an industrial unit off Barracks Road on the Sandy Lane industrial estate.

Officers also seized a large amount of growing equipment including
heaters and lighting.

A scene guard was in place at the unit overnight and cannabis was
still being removed from the site today.

Those arrested are all from the West Midlands and comprise 13 men and
one woman. They were held on suspicion of various drugs-related
offences, including production of cannabis, being concerned in the
production and supply of cannabis, and conspiracy to cultivate cannabis.

After questioning eight of the men were released on bail yesterday to
return on 9 and 10 May, while the investigation continues.

The other five men and the woman are still in custody at police
stations in Worcestershire helping officers with their inquiries.

Detective Inspector Carl Moore said: "This cannabis factory is one of
the biggest we have ever seen in the West Mercia force area and was a
very sophisticated growing operation. The cannabis we have seized
would have had a potential street value of hundreds of thousands of
pounds at least but could be worth a lot more than that by the time we
have tested the plants and made a full assessment."

Anyone with information for the police that could help the
investigation is urged to contact detectives at Kidderminster CID on
the non-emergency number 101 or ring the independent charity
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D