Police in Coventry have seized 2 cannabis farms on same day within a mile of each other.
Police in the city have discovered over 20 cannabis farms in the city already this year of which almost half have been discovered during burglaries. These are largely suspected of being linked to rival gangs.
More than £300,000 worth of drugs after busting two cannabis factories as part of our work during #neighbourhoodpolicingweek.
Police acted on information and shut down the illegal drug operations which were running in adjacent streets in Coventry city centre.
Officers from Coventry’s organised crime and gangs unit executed a warrant at a home in Bramble Street on Wednesday (25 January).
They discovered more than 90 plants, and a haul of dry harvested bud, as part of a sophisticated set up to produce drugs with a street value of around £230,000.
After forcing their way through the front door our officers were confronted by a sturdy steel door – a standard deterrent to try and stop others breaking in and stealing the crop.
A 27-year-old man was later charged with production of cannabis and remanded to appear before Coventry Magistrates Court.
Police also recovered just under 90 plants from a house in nearby Gulson Road shortly afterwards as two Albanian men were arrested and referred to immigration services. The drugs had a street value of up to £100,000.
Electricity was by-passed in both properties which meant they were also a serious fire risk – which could have put the lives of occupiers and neighbours in danger.
of which almost half have been discovered during burglaries. These are largely suspected of being linked to rival gangs.
Inspector Alex Heeley, from Coventry Police, said: “As part of Neighbourhood Policing Week we’ve executed these warrants and shut down sophisticated drug operations.
“The cultivation of cannabis, and illegal use of properties, not only fuels the drugs market but also further crime which harms our communities.
“The set ups to bypass electricity are dangerous and has led to fires at properties. This can put the lives of people at risk.
“Vulnerable people can also be exploited and we’ll continue to target those suspected of running and organising these drug factories.”
Our work in Coventry covers a wide breadth of activity. This includes some of our officers carrying out Project Servator patrols in and around the city centre including near to the train station.
These aim to disrupt criminal activity and both plain-clothed and unformed officers – alongside police dogs – were involved. These regular operations also give us chance to speak with the public around any concerns they may have.
We also had our Henley and Longford neighbourhood team carrying out activity around Longford Square.
This included monitoring for anti-social behaviour by off-road bikers and speaking to businesses in the area around our approach to stopping this.
We also carried out a weapon sweep – as part of our regular activity – to make sure the area is safe for everyone
