Police have discovered up to 500 cannabis plants and made arrests as they continue to shut down drug dens which fuel further crime.

Teams have unearthed the illegal grows at three locations across Sandwell within the last week.

Officers found around 350 plants after responding to a burglary at an industrial unit off Alma Street, Smethwick, at around 5.15am on 14th June. They also discovered around 100 plants after executing a warrant at a property in Peveril Way, Great Barr. A force spokesperson said:

"As we arrived a man fled the address but following a brief foot chase he was arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis. A 23-year-old man is currently in police custody for questioning.

"We further seized 15 plants from an address in Wolfsbane Drive, Tamebridge, last night and arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with cultivating Class B drugs.

"Every cannabis farm we destroy thanks to your help prevents a vicious circle. As the plants won't then end up as street deals, the profits won’t go on to fund other crime, and they won’t ruin lives or pollute our communities.

"Anyone who suspects drugs are being cultivated in their community is urged to contact us via Live Chat on our website."