Cannabis farm on Bestmans Lane, Kempsey- Two charged

Leonard Kriashi, 33, of Clockhouse Parade Mansions, North Circular Road, London and Erald Sela, 24, of Bestmans Lane, Kempsey are both charged with producing cannabis.

They are due to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates Court tomorrow (Thursday).

A raid was carried out at a farm building off Bestmans Lane on Tuesday (November 26) with police using force to enter the building following concerns raised by National Grid over irregular power usage at the location.

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Upon entry, they discovered around 1,500 mature plants and vacuum-packed crops growing in five rooms.

Horticultural growing products and multiple power transformers and sockets were also found.

The two men were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis at the site.

Both men are now helping police with their enquiries into this investigation.

National Grid attended to make the power supply safe, and the crop was due to be removed by waste services later.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Malvern, Dave Wise, said: “Officers executed a warrant at a site in Kempsey following concerns raised by National Grid about the power supply to the building.

“We arrested two men and discovered approximately 1,500 plants which will now be safely destroyed as we continue our ongoing efforts to tackle illegal drug cultivation in the south of the county.

“Large-scale cannabis grows are often tied to organised crime groups, whose activities fuel further criminality, including modern slavery.

"Tackling these operations is vital to protecting our communities and keeping them safe from harm.”

Anyone who believes there may be an illegal grow or criminal activity in their community should report it on the West Mercia Police website, or call 999 in an emergency. 

Alternatively, call 0800 555 111 to report the crime anonymously to Crimestoppers.