Cannabis crop with street value of £3m discovered in former factory building

A cannabis factory with a crop estimated to have a street value of £3m has been uncovered inside a listed building.

Officers from West Midlands Police discovered the farm concealed within Haliburton House in Hall Street South, West Bromwich, a Victorian industrial building dating back to the 1870s that was previously home to a metal manufacturing firm.

It was discovered when a utilities company reported suspicions after seeing a surge in electricity usage at the historic building.

Cannabis plants were found across all three floors, the loft space and the clock tower along with an extensive heating, lighting and hydroponics set up.

West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Ade George, said: “We strongly suspect this drugs factory, given the scale, is linked to serious organised crime.

“It’s a big win for us and its discovery, especially as the crop was nearing harvest, will be a significant dent in the finances of the crime group involved.

“We’ve seized several million pounds worth of drugs plus equipment also costing tens of thousands of pounds.

“A drugs factory of this size, with all the modifications, takes a lot of time and effort; I would suggest it has been in operation for around six months. There is also clear evidence of living quarters within the property.

“No-one has been arrested at this stage but our enquiries into who was behind the factory are underway – and I’d urge anyone with information to get in contact.”

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