Man Arrested Following Drugs Warrant In Herefordshire

A man was arrested early yesterday afternoon when officers from Local Policing Teams in Herefordshire executed a drugs warrant in Burghill.

Police officers based in Hereford executed the warrant at an address in Hospital Houses at just after 2pm on Thursday 2 August.

On entering and searching the address, police discovered a total of 135 cannabis plants - in various stages of growth and maturation - in three cellar rooms in the property.

Police officers examine some of the cannabis plants found in Burghill yesterday afternoonThe plants were linked to a hydroponics system allowing them to be grown in relative secrecy underground and the cellar could only be accessed by a small section of false flooring which could be lifted to gain access.

The complexity of the growing operation was such that power companies had to be called in to make the building as safe as possible before plants and equipment could be removed for destruction.

Speaking about this operation, Sergeant Dan Pilkington said:

"As a result of intelligence and information received from members of the public, a search warrant was executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act at this address in Burghill.

"It took a number of officers several hours to seize and dispose of the plants and it just goes to show that you never can tell what goes on behind closed front doors!

"A 51-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and although he has since been bailed pending further enquiries, I hope this sends out a clear message that we will continue to pursue those involved in this type of activity.

"West Mercia Police take drug crime very seriously and act on any information received from members of the public as soon as the time is right.

"Anyone who has any concerns regarding drugs can either call us direct on 101 or 0300 333 3000, or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"We recognise that some people do not want to get involved or to give their name, so Crimestoppers provides the means for anyone to pass information about suspicious activity or crime with a guarantee of anonymity.

"It is important that people call us with information, because it is ultimately the help of the public that enables us to carry out operations and make arrests, therefore helping us to disrupt, prevent and detect crime."

Issued: Thursday 2 August, 2012