Police raid uncovers cannabis farm in 'office' unit  

A CANNABIS factory with around 100 plants was uncovered when police raided a rented business unit in a town centre.

Officers working as part of an anti-drugs crackdown targeted the building in Burslem following tip-offs from members of the community - some of whom had noticed a strange smell.

Witnesses said police were shown into the property by the landlord.

However, no arrests were made and whoever was looking after the drugs den remains a mystery.

Workers based at neighbouring offices along the town's Amicable Street have spoken of their surprise at learning a cannabis farm was being cultivated so close to their businesses.

One employee, who preferred not to be named, said: "I have never seen anything strange near to the unit. It is usually quite quiet although at times I have noticed a funny smell. I have never even noticed anyone using the site.

"It is pretty shocking to think that drug dealers were growing cannabis so close to houses and businesses without anyone realising."

A businessman, who works in another nearby property, said: "I am not surprised because it can happen anywhere nowadays.

"It is just the way society is. It is good that it's been found because there are reputable, established businesses down here that don't want to be associated with drugs."

An investigation into the set-up has now started and inquiries are ongoing.

The raid was just one of many that have taken place over the last fortnight across the city as part of Staffordshire Police's Operation Nemesis anti-drugs campaign.

A 27-year-old resident of Wycliffe Street, who did not want to be named, also described his shock at hearing about the latest raid on Monday night.

He said: "I could not believe it when I heard that there was a cannabis factory so close to my house. I'm glad the police found it and I hope that they catch whoever is responsible. You do get a bit of trouble in the area now and again."

Sergeant Tony Drinkwater, of Stoke-on-Trent Central Local Policing Team, added: "Operation Nemesis is our ongoing commitment to tackling drug dealing within our communities and our aim is to take dealers off the streets and bring them to justice.

"We really appreciate the information the community provide us and by passing on information you can help us take action against those involved.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any comings and goings at this unit, or any vehicles acting suspiciously in the area."

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police confirmed: "Officers attended a unit off Amicable Street, Burslem, at around 2.05pm on Monday."

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk 07/08/2013