Drug farm discovered in Shropshire police raids

A large cannabis factory and a quantity of cash totalling £130,000 were discovered in Shrewsbury, police revealed today after they carried out raids across the county.

The factory which contained plants worth £70,000 was found at a home in the town, while £60,000 of cash was also seized.

It was discovered earlier this week and a man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and has since been bailed while inquiries continue.

More than 70 officers carried out raids at homes in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Shifnal and parts of north and south Shropshire throughout today, as part of a major crackdown targeting suspected burglars, drug dealers and others involved in serious crime.

The raids are due to continue over the next few days.

Officers forced open doors as they executed warrants starting from at dawn.

Chief Inspector Martin Whitelegg, a senior officer involved in the operation, said: "This is the latest in a series of large-scale operations in Shropshire targeting the small minority of individuals whose criminal actions cause misery and suffering to others.

"We need this support from our communities and we urge local people to contact the police if they see anything suspicious which might be linked to crime.

"Just pick up the phone and call the non-emergency 101 number. Tell us in confidence and we will check out what is going on."

He also urged people to use the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

Police said they had sent out a 'clear message' that criminal activity would not be tolerated after a number of people were arrested.

Chief Inspector Whitelegg said police would not hesitate in charging offenders after 10 people were arrested today.

Police chiefs said they expected further arrests to follow. Suspects were being taken into custody at Shrewsbury and Telford police stations.

Mr Whitelegg said: "The aim of Operation Christmas Crackdown is to bring to justice those individuals who cause our communities most harm and to make our towns and villages feel tangibly safer.

"These are people who break into homes, businesses and vehicles to steal cash and valuables. They have no respect for other people or their property and their actions are often driven by drug addiction.

"We are also targeting violent offenders and those involved with illegal drugs, especially dealers and suppliers who have no regard to the damage and distress they wreak.

"The purpose of Operation Christmas Crackdown is to send out a clear message that criminal activity within Shropshire's neighbourhoods will not be tolerated."

Roadside checks were also being carried out at various locations in the county aimed at disrupting travelling criminals.

Local policing teams were keeping residents informed through leaflet drops, at locations where arrests were made.

An 'Advan' was being used at several locations in Shrewsbury to help reassure the public over today's heightened police activity.