Failed drug dealers set up weed factory directly across from a police station
A huge $132,000 cannabis factory has been busted after bungling drug dealers set up shop – directly opposite a police station.
The brazen dealers decided to set up the large-scale grow in two empty shops just 30 feet away from Droitwich Police Station in Worcestershire.
Oblivious officers were alerted to the overpowering smell by a member of the public before they raided the farm which had been right under their noses.
Officers with a chainsaw cut their way inside to find a suspect hiding in the loft and 100 plants worth an estimated $160,000.
The man was arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis before being taken to Worcester Police Station to be interviewed.
Residents living on Ombersley Street East where the cannabis farm was found in two vacant neighboring shops spoke of their shock at the audacity of the location.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I can’t believe the brass neck of them.
“What is it, about 30ft from the police station? It’s literally across the road.”
West Mercia Police said members of the public had reported the smell before they raided the premises just yards from the station at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The arrest was made after PC Matt Shore, of West Mercia Police, followed his instincts and found the suspect hiding inside loft insulation.
He noticed a recently smoked cigarette before he cut a slit in material to find a man crouching down behind it.
Sgt Shaun Blackshaw said: “We are actively targeting cannabis growers in Droitwich and elsewhere in South Worcestershire.
“Organized gangs will soon realize it will not be tolerated in this area.”
The plants were found seven different rooms – the ground floor, two first-floor rooms in one shop, two in the second shop and in the loft spaces of both vacant business premises.
The electricity had been bypassed creating a fire hazard so police contacted the National Grid to make the property safe.
Charles Moyle, High Sheriff of Worcestershire and a JP, observed the warrant being executed.
He said: “They’re hiding in plain sight, right opposite a police station. That shocked and surprised me.
“It’s beyond belief they should choose an area where children walk to school and where police are keeping the streets safe. It’s extraordinary.
“Officers are, throughout West Mercia, trying to tackle the epidemic of drug-related crime.
“They are also doing a brilliant job tackling the scourge of domestic violence and, working under very difficult circumstances, keeping girls and women safe.
“They are doing their absolute best to keep the streets clean of drugs.”
