THE cannabis hotspots of Worcestershire can be revealed with a county town, and not Worcester, topping the list where most cannabis production crimes took place.
According to the figures, which cover 2022, police discovered the most cannabis farms in Redditch.
Police shut down 13 farms in the town that year.
Second on the list was Worcester, which had 12 farms, while third was Kidderminster which had eight.
Four farms were discovered in Malvern, while three were discovered in Pershore.
View our interactive map below to see the number in your area:
A Freedom of Information request submitted by this paper to West Mercia Police revealed that, in total, there were 50 cannabis farms discovered in the county during the year.
Among the cases our newspapers reported on included officers from the Gorse Hill and Battenhall policing team in Worcester finding about 300 cannabis plants in Astwood Road.
In July last year Worcester police also shut down a cannabis farm in Carlisle Road, Ronkswood, Worcester.
One of the biggest raids West Mercia Police carried out was at the former Secret Garden bar in New Street, Kidderminster, where a massive cannabis farm was uncovered.
Found growing there were 500 plants estimated to have a value of £1 million.
The maximum sentence for the production of a class B drug at magistrates court is six months prison or a fine, or both.
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The maximum sentence for supply of a class B drug on indictment at crown court is 14 years prison or a fine, or both.
Police offer tips for residents to look out for to determine if their neighbours could be growing cannabis.
Among the clues are:
- There’s a pungent smell
- High levels of condensation on the windows, even in the warmer months
- Constantly covered or blacked-out windows
- A high number of deliveries or large items being taken in or out
- A constant buzz of ventilation
- Strong, constant lighting day and night
- Lots of power cables
- Lack of snow on the roof
- Unsociable comings and goings at all hours
Anyone with concerns about the supply or the production of illegal substances in their area can contact West Mercia Police on 101 or visit the force's website westmercia.police.uk.
Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org.
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