Officers continue to tackle drug cultivation across county
Officers are continuing to disrupt the drug supply across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as three substantial cannabis grows were discovered and seized in recent days.
Yesterday (Thursday 31 March), acting on intelligence, officers seized approximately 150 plants from inside a sophisticated cannabis grow in Burton-upon-Trent.
Two women, both in their 30s and from the Burton area, were arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled Class B drug and later released under investigation.
Two separate grows were then discovered in Stoke-on-Trent, on Wednesday (30 March), with an estimated total of 350 plants seized.
Electricity circuits were bypassed at both properties – posing significant fire safety risks to the local community.
A 44-year-old man, of no-fixed-address, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug.
He has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.
Offenders remain outstanding in relation to one grow, containing approximately 250 plants, which was found inside of a disused building in Hanley.
This activity comes as part of the force’s Operation Levidrome – aimed at effectively disrupting the supply and cultivation of various illegal drugs within Staffordshire.
Since the launch of the operation in early 2021, the force has discovered more than 200 cannabis cultivations and has invested in specialist equipment and tools to assist officers in identifying and seizing drug-related material.
There are various clues which can indicate a property is being used for drug cultivation, including:
- A pungent smell emitting from the address
- · Condensation of windows, even in warmer months
- · Blocked-out windows
- · Large amount of deliveries at the address
- · Constant buzz of ventilation
- · Strong lighting emitting from windows
- · Large amount of power cables
For more information on cannabis cultivations, visit: Cannabis farms | Staffordshire Police
To report any suspected grows in your area, please contact us by calling 101.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
