Failed drug dealers built a marijuana factory directly opposite a police station

A massive $132,000 cannabis factory was busted after rogue drug dealers set up shop right across from a police station.

The brazen dealers decided to carry out the large-scale cultivation in two empty shops just ten meters from Droitwich police station in Worcestershire.

Unsuspecting officials were alerted to the overwhelming smell by a passerby before storming the farm that had been right under their noses.

Using a chainsaw, officers made their way inside and found a suspect hiding in the attic and 100 plants with an estimated value of $160,000.

The man was arrested on suspicion of growing cannabis and subsequently taken to Worcester Police Station for questioning.

Residents of Ombersley Street East, where the cannabis farm was discovered in two vacant neighboring shops, expressed shock at the audacity of the location.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I just cannot believe their audacity.

“What is that, about 10 meters from the police station? It's literally across the street.”

West Mercia Police said members of the public reported the smell before storming the site just yards from the station at around 8am on Wednesday.

The arrest was made after PC Matt Shore of West Mercia Police followed his instincts and found the suspect hiding in the loft insulation.

He noticed a freshly smoked cigarette before cutting a slit in the fabric and discovering a man crouched behind it.

Sergeant Shaun Blackshaw said: “We are actively targeting cannabis growers in Droitwich and elsewhere in South Worcestershire.

“Organized gangs will soon realize that this will not be tolerated in this area.”

The plants were located in seven different rooms – on the ground floor, in two rooms on the first floor of a shop, in two rooms in the second shop and in the attic of the two vacant business premises.

Because the power supply had been bypassed, creating a fire hazard, police contacted National Grid to secure the property.

Charles Moyle, High Sheriff of Worcestershire and Justice of the Peace, observed the execution of the warrant.

He said: “They are hiding in plain sight, right opposite a police station. That shocked and surprised me.”

“It's unbelievable that they chose a neighborhood where children walk to school and the police ensure safety on the streets. That's extraordinary.”

“Across West Mercia, officials are trying to tackle the drug-related crime epidemic.

“They are also doing an excellent job tackling the scourge of domestic violence and keeping girls and women safe under very difficult circumstances.

“They do their best to keep the streets free of drugs.”