Stourport cannabis factory - six still being questioned (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Stourport cannabis factory - six still being questioned

1:07pm Friday 8th February 2013 in News

SIX people are still being questioned in connection with the discovery in Stourport of a huge cannabis factory - one of the biggest ever seen by West Mercia Police.

A total of 14 arrests were made - one more than originally reported - after about 2,000 cannabis plants in various stages of development were found early yesterday in an industrial unit off Barracks Road on the Sandy Lane industrial estate.

Officers also seized a large amount of growing equipment including heaters and lighting. A scene guard was in place at the unit overnight and cannabis was still being removed from the site today.

Those arrested are all from the West Midlands and comprise 13 men and one woman. They were held on suspicion of various drugs-related offences, including production of cannabis, being concerned in the production and supply of cannabis and conspiracy to cultivate cannabis.

After questioning eight of the men were released on bail yesterday to return on Thursday and Friday, May 9 and 10, while the investigation continues.

The other five men and the woman are still in custody at police stations in Worcestershire helping officers with their inquiries.

Det Insp Carl Moore said: “This cannabis factory is one of the biggest we have ever seen in the West Mercia force area and was a very sophisticated growing operation.

“The cannabis we have seized would have had a potential street value of hundreds of thousands of pounds at least but could be worth a lot more than that by the time we have tested the plants and made a full assessment.”

Anyone with information should call Kidderminster CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.