West Mercia Police Uncover Cannabis Farms Worth Nearly £600,000 in Telford, Market Drayton Arrests

West Mercia Police have dismantled two significant cannabis cultivation operations in Shropshire, uncovering nearly 492 plants worth approximately £492,000 in Market Drayton and 129 plants valued at around £100,000 in Telford. Both raids resulted in arrests: a 51-year-old man in Market Drayton and a man in his 20s in Telford, each suspected of producing cannabis. Authorities noted that such farms are often linked to serious organized crime, including human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and pose fire safety risks to surrounding communities. The Market Drayton operation revealed tampering with the property's electricity supply, highlighting the dangerous and illicit nature of these activities. Police emphasized the importance of community vigilance and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities, stressing that collective efforts are crucial in combating drug-related crime. These actions were part of Neighbourhood Policing Week, showcasing local officers' commitment to ensuring community safety.