A Burntwood man is among seven people who have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the production of cannabis.

The 34-year-old was held as part of an Operation Nemesis swoop by Staffordshire Police this morning (September 8th) which saw a large amount of cannabis plants found at a farm in Lincolnshire.

The arrests follow a five-month investigation and saw warrants executed between 6am and 7am at six addresses – five houses in Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and a farm in Lincolnshire.

All seven men were arrested at their home addresses on suspicion of conspiracy to produce cannabis. As well as the man from Burntwood, also held were a 45-year-old from Rugeley, a 44-year-old from Burton, a 40-year-old from Solihull, a 45-year-old and a 26-year-old from Sutton Coldfield and a 59-year-old man from the Grantham area of Lincolnshire.

The investigation involved more than 40 officers and specialist staff from the force, including financial investigators. They were supported by more than 20 officers and specialists from Lincolnshire Police, whose efforts will focus on a search and forensic examination of the farm, where thousands of cannabis plants and associated cultivation equipment was discovered.

Det Ch Insp Jane Hewett, of Staffordshire Police said:

“Today’s arrests mark yet another success for Operation Nemesis which, we believe, has thwarted a large scale, illegal cannabis growing enterprise.

“Officers from our Serious and Organised Crime Unit have worked tirelessly to plan this morning’s operation, and we are grateful for the support we have had from our colleagues in Lincolnshire. It sends another clear message to people who are foolish enough to even think of dealing in drugs in Staffordshire: you will not get away with it.

“Investigations such as this often reveal criminals with lavish lifestyles funded by their drug dealing, which is why our specialist financial investigators are already on the case. They are experts in working out where criminals’ money and assets come from, and have a national reputation for using the Proceeds of Crime Act to strip offenders of every pound possible.”

All seven men are being questioned at police stations in Staffordshire.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.