Police have uncovered a large cannabis cultivation operation spread across several rooms at a residential property on Salop Road, Oldbury, with plants estimated to be worth around £200,000.
Morning warrant on Salop Road
Neighbourhood officers forced entry to the address on the morning of Thursday 2 July and found a cannabis grow operating across multiple rooms inside the property.
Around 200 plants were recovered and seized. No one was present when officers entered, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Bypassed electricity supply
Police said the electricity at the address had been bypassed, allowing those running the farm to obtain power without paying for it — a common feature of residential cannabis grows that also increases fire and safety risks for neighbouring properties.
Enquiries are continuing to identify those involved in the production operation. The seized plants will be destroyed.
Police warning on cannabis farms
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Around 200 cannabis plants were recovered after officers executed a warrant in Sandwell yesterday morning (2 July). Neighbourhood officers forced entry to an address on Salop Road, Oldbury, and found a cannabis grow in several rooms. The electricity had been bypassed but no one was found in the property. We are now making enquiries to find out who was involved in the drugs production. The cannabis plants will be destroyed."
The force added that cannabis farms pose a serious risk to the neighbourhoods where they operate, citing the danger of fire and associated anti-social behaviour.
"Our teams across the West Midlands regularly carry out warrants at properties suspected of being involved in cannabis production," the spokesperson continued. "If you think there is something suspicious going on where you live, let us know by calling 101. Alternatively, give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Cannabis cultivation without a Home Office licence remains illegal in the UK. Production offences involving large-scale grows can carry substantial prison sentences.
Reporting based on statements from West Midlands Police.
