Police bust major £400,000 drugs racket run by rogue landlord

West Midlands Police have revealed that a major drugs racket being run by a rogue landlord from his properties in Coventry has been disrupted.

The raid was carried out on Tuesday September 8 when a 'haul' of cannabis was found hidden under the kitchen floorboards of a rental property.

Five large holdalls were stuffed with dried cannabis in vacuum-packed bags, while large bundles of cash were also found dotted around the home.

The landlord of the property was arrested for money laundering and drug supply. A further two men were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Another stash of cannabis ready for distribution was found at one of the landlord's other properties alongside £5,000 in cash hidden under a bed.

At the second property, another two men were arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and immigration offences. 

The operation, carried out by West Midlands' Willenhall & Binley team, netted drugs and cash with a total value estimated to be around £400,000.

"We’ve disrupted a very large drugs operation with a rogue landlord suspected of using his property portfolio for drugs production and supply," said Neighbourhood Sargeant Deb Walker.

She said a total of seven addresses across Coventry owned by the same landlord have now been searched after initial intelligence revealed over 400 cannabis plants in one of his properties.

"We suspect the addresses and the drugs are linked to wider organised crime and enquiries are progressing with our gangs unit to understand the full extent of the operation."

"There is also evidence that illegal immigrants are being used and exploited to grow and package drugs," said Walker.

The police have confirmed that all of the men arrested have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.