11/01/2010

800 Cannabis Plants Seized

Two men have been arrested after police in Tipton seized 800 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of £100,000, at an industrial unit in Sedgley Road East.

Officers were called to reports of a fire at the address on last Monday at around 6pm.

On arrival at the scene, officers from West Midlands Fire Service were already in attendance and were forcing entry into the building after hearing voices inside.

Two men aged 20 and 16 were found inside the building along with 800 cannabis plants and a large amount of drug growing equipment.

The two men were uninjured and were arrested at the scene. They have both been charged with the cultivation of cannabis and have been remanded in police custody.

Sergeant David Rogers was at the scene. He said: "We were made aware of the fire by a member of the public. Fortunately the fire was only small and the Fire Service were able to put it out rapidly.

"The plants and equipment seized have been destroyed and the two men will be facing prosecution."

Inspector Dale Randle is responsible for policing in Tipton. He said: "We are very fortunate that thanks to our colleagues at the Fire Service the fire did not escalate and no one was injured.

"We are working closely with the communities of Tipton to combat drugs and anti-social behaviour, but we need more people to come forward and tell us about crime in their area to help us stamp it out."

Minimal damage was caused by the fire. Police have appealed for information regards the crimes.

(PR/GK)

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