Almost 500 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £457,000 have been seized by police in two separate drugs raids.

Earlier this morning a warrant was carried out in Rye Place in Warndon Villages, Worcester, where more than 300 plants worth an estimated £313,320 were recovered.

The latest raid brings the total number of cannabis plants seized by South Worcestershire Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) this year to 3,367 with an estimated street value of more than £2.5million.

Officers from the South Worcestershire NCFT with colleagues from Warndon Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) executed a warrant at an address in Rye Place, Warndon this morning.

They found 373 cannabis plants and arrested a 23-year-old male on suspicion of production of a class B drug – cannabis. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue. 

On Friday, officers from the South Worcestershire NCFT executed a warrant at a property in Plough Lane, Tibberton, where they recovered 172 plants with an estimated street value of £144,480.

There they arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of production of a class B drug – cannabis and abstracting electricity. He was questioned and released under investigation as enquiries continue.

The two warrants have seen cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £457,800 seized in the past four days which add to the tally of ten cannabis cultivations recovered in South Worcestershire NCFT so far this year.

To date, 3,367 plants have been seized by the NCFT, supported by colleagues, with a street value estimated at £2,513,600. So far, 12 offenders have been prosecuted resulting in sentences totalling 107 months or eight years and 11 months.

Detective Chief Inspector James Bamber of South Worcestershire Police said: "In the past few days, we’ve taken almost half a million pounds worth of cannabis plants off the streets in two raids as we continue our ongoing efforts to tackle illegal drug cultivation in the south of the county.

“Cannabis grows such as these ones are linked to organised crime gangs whose actions often uncover further criminality including modern day slavery.

RECOMMENDED READING: Droitwich residents help West Mercia raid cannabis farms

“We would like to thank members of the community who have raised concerns about suspected cultivation sites so far this year as NCFT have now removed more than £2.5million plants from illegal productions in our communities.

“This shows we will always listen to your concerns and act where necessary.

“Anyone who believes there may be an illegal grow or criminal activity in their community is urged to report it to us via our website - report a crime, West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.