Armed police in major city drugs raid
THREE MEN ARRESTED AS OFFICERS DESCEND ON DISUSED BUILDING NEAR LEE CIRCLE
AN ARMED police raid has uncovered a large-scale cannabis factory in Leicester city centre.
The officers descended on a disused Victorian building in Wharf Street South, near Lee Circle, yesterday morning to execute a drugs warrant.
The road was cordoned off, along with Crafton Street West, as officers spent the day conducting inquiries.
A search of the building uncovered what police described as a “substantial” number of plants and hydroponic equipment, used to grow cannabis.
Three men, one aged 30 and two aged 28, were arrested and last night remained in police custody.
One witness reported that the front door of the building had been battered down. Throughout the day, armed police were seen in the area.
Western Power Distribution was also on the scene. A spokeswoman confirmed staff were there to make a power supply safe, at the request of the police.
Superintendent Adam Slonecki said yesterday: “A number of resources have been in attendance in Wharf Street South this morning and will remain there through part of the day.
“I appreciate this may have caused some minor disruption and I would like to thank the surrounding community for their patience while inquiries continue at the scene.
“This morning’s operation has successfully seized a significant quantity of cannabis. I would like to take the opportunity to encourage anyone who has suspicions around drug activity to contact police so we can continue to work towards tackling drug dealing and those offences which cause our communities concern.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101.