TWO MEN were arrested after a cannabis grow of approximately 1,500 plants was discovered by police at a site in Kempsey this morning (Tuesday, November 26).
Officers from West Mercia Police’s South Worcestershire Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) executed a warrant at a farm building off Bestmans Lane.
They used force to enter the building following concerns raised by National Grid over irregular power usage at the location.
Upon entry they discovered approximately 1,500 mature plants and vacuum-packed crops growing in five rooms, together with horticultural growing products and multiple power transformers and sockets.
Officers arrested two men, Leonard Kriashi, 33, of North Circular Road, London and Erald Sela, 24, of Bestmans Lane, Kempsey on suspicion of production of cannabis and both were charged on Wednesday (November 27).
The pair are due to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Thursday (November 28).
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: “This morning, officers from SNT and NCFT 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.”
This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.
