Officers found a huge grow inside a unit at the Park Rose Industrial Estate in Smethwick
A huge cannabis farm has been found growing in a Black Country industrial site.
Officers swooped on a unit within the Park Rose Industrial Estate on Tuesday, February 25, where they discovered the illicit cannabis crop.
Around 260 plants were discovered together with growing equipment.
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The farm was immediately cordoned off and the crop seized and destroyed.
West Midlands Police said: “Officers discovered a large cannabis grow at a unit on Park Rose Industrial Estate, Smethwick, on Tuesday.
“Around 260 cannabis plants were seized and disposed of and growing equipment was also found inside the premises.
“Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 or contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting 20/157883/25.”
Cannabis production is a regular crime that police in the UK regularly tackle, including in the West Midlands and Staffordshire.
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Criminals often turn old buildings, industrial units and even homes into makeshift cannabis farms, where they can grow hundreds of plants using a hydroponic set-up.
As cannabis is a Category B drug in the UK, anyone caught in possession of it can face an unlimited fine and/or up to five years in prison. For supply and production, the penalties increase.
Staffordshire Police has shared four signs to look out for when it comes to spotting a cannabis farm:
Blacked-out windows
One tell tale sign is looking at constantly covered or blacked-out windows. The flyer read: “It might look like the house is unoccupied, but blacked out windows could well mean inside is really bright and contains lighting equipment.”
Strong smell
A pungent smell is another strong sign. The flyer read: “You may be able to smell the drug’s familiar odour.”
Constant buzz
“If you can hear the constant noise of a fan, at all times of the day or night, chances are it could be acting as ventilation for the cannabis grow.”
High levels of condensation
The force said: “High levels of condensation on the windows, even in the warmer months. It may well have been turned into a makeshift greenhouse.”