UPDATE: Tip-off leads police to £500,000 cannabis farm in Shipley
The cannabis farm discovered by police
The cannabis farm discovered by police
A CANNABIS plants with a street value of more than £500,000 have been found in Shipley following a tip-off to police.
More than 1,700 plants were discovered in the raid at industrial premises in Ashley Lane where three men were arrested.
Sergeant Khalid Khan, of Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team, described it as a significant find.
“In excess of 1,700 plants were seized and the farm dismantled," he said.
"The value of these plants is expected to be in excess of £500,000 which will be confirmed by forensic examinations.”
Sgt Khan said two of the three men arrested were charged with cannabis production appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court.
The third man was reported for summons for similar offences and will appear before the court on a date yet to arranged.
He added: “This shows the value of community intelligence and we would ask everyone to remain vigilant."
Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported almost 300 cannabis farms were found in the Bradford district from the start of 2012 to August 2013.
West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said cannabis farms could cause untold misery for those living nearby and for those whose lives are blighted by drugs.
“Not only does the abuse of drugs and alcohol cause crime, both low level and serious, but it can also cause serious harm to people’s health and wellbeing and life chances, to their families and to the wider communities they live in," said Mr Burns-Williamson.
“Making sure that communities are safer and feel safer is everyone’s business and I would urge anyone with suspicions regarding the possible creation of cannabis factories in their neighbourhoods to contact the police."
Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) also urged people to report their suspicions to police and praised officers' response.
He said: "Hats off to them it was a job well done. They acted brilliantly on information from the community and it shows it pays dividends."
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