Droitwich residents help West Mercia raid cannabis farms

West Mercia Police assured residents that the increase in the number of cannabis farms found in Droitwich is no different from other towns across the country after three were found in the town centre in just five months.

Two cannabis farms were discovered on the High Street just a few shop fronts apart, while another was opposite Droitwich Police Station.

READ MORE: Brazen drug gangs convert empty High Street shops into cannabis farms

Officers gathered evidence from the 600 plant cannabis grow in Droitwich High Street in June (Image: James Connell/Newsquest) Inspector Dave Wise, of Malvern Hills and Wychavon Safer Neighbourhood Team, said his team has successfully tried to dismantle and disrupt illegal drug supply in and around Droitwich.

"It is important to stress that our proactive approach is not as a result of any disproportionate increase in the amount of cannabis farms compared to other towns across the country," Insp Wise added.

“The South Worcestershire Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT), along with essential intelligence provided by local communities, have been at the forefront of these operations.

HUGE: One of the Droitwich High Street drugs warrant led to the discovery of 600 cannabis plants (Image: James Connell/Newsquest) "Officers from the NCFT have been quick to action all information which has been provided to us.

“The discovery and removal of cannabis farms can be accredited to a community that reports crime and a police team that listens and acts."

In June, West Mercia Police raided 4 High Street in Droitwich after the community raised concerns over suspicious activity in the former sweet shop.

Officers found 600 cannabis plants, valued at £491,000, being grown in the building, leading to the arrests of a 20-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

Then, in September, 176 cannabis plants with a maximum street value of more than £147,000 were seized from a farm on Ombersley Street East.

The latest one to be found was on October 16 when police found 50 cannabis plants at Droitwich Spa Fish Bar on High Street.

It comes after the National Police Chiefs' Council revealed an increase in empty shop units in towns and cities across the UK are being used by criminal gangs to grow drugs.

RAIDED: The former Droitwich Spa Fish Bar chip shop. (Image: Rob Robinson) Insp Wise said: “It is not uncommon for criminals to use closed or abandoned premises as part of their cannabis cultivation operation.

"This is not specific to Droitwich.

"We would encourage landlords to be completely robust on pre-tenant checks, refuse to let if they’re not fully comfortable and always report any suspicious behaviour.

“Our operations in tackling cannabis farms will continue to be guided by community concerns and police intelligence, not just in Droitwich but across the county."