Arrests made following cannabis factory discovery in Shrewsbury

Officers attended the premises off Featherbed Lane, near Aldi and the Alfa Romeo dealership, just after 11am yesterday, following a report from a member of the public about suspected drug activity.

On arrival, three men ran from the scene into a nearby residential area, with officers following.

Following a large-scale search, including the use of a police dog, a 20-year-old, 36-year-old and 59-year-old were arrested within half an hour on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.

They were taken into custody at Shrewsbury Police Station and will be interviewed in due course.

A search of the unit resulted in about 2,000 plants being found, along with a significant amount of cultivation equipment.

Due to the size of the set-up, a specialist company has been brought in to assist West Mercia Police in dismantling the equipment and recovering the plants.

Detective Inspector Pete Brophy, of Shrewsbury CID, appealed for anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in the area over the past few weeks to contact police on 101.

"This was a large-scale operation and there are likely to have been people and vehicles coming and going at all hours, both day and night," he said.

"If anyone has seen suspicious activity in the area over the past few months, please can they contact police as soon as possible."

He added: "If anyone suspects there may be drug-related crime going on near to where they live or work, I urge them to report it on 101.

"All information we receive is logged, assessed and then the appropriate action taken.

"Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."