Police in Birmingham managed to stumble upon a cannabis farm after a car officers were chasing smashed into a building housing 50 plants inside.
West Midlands Police were chasing a stolen Audi when it collided with a van and hit a shop in Stirchley at 5.30am on Monday (28 September).
As they arrested the 15-year-old driver, officers went into the shop to warn occupants that it could be unsafe after the crash, which was when they smelt cannabis coming from the flats above.
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When they went upstairs, they discovered 50 plants growing inside.
West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating after about 50 cannabis plants were discovered in a flat above a shop during checks for damage to buildings on Dogpool Road following the collision.
"No arrests were made. This is being treated as a separate incident."
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Police officers clocked the Audi after it had been reported from the area earlier that morning, saying 'objects including bricks' were thrown at them during the chase that followed.
Eventually, the pursuit ended when the vehicle smashed into the van and building, which was when the teen driver attempted to flee on foot.
However, he was caught and arrested, while a 17-year-old passenger was taken to hospital in a 'serious condition' for spinal injuries, and a third youth managed to flee.
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The 48-year-old driver of the van is also in a 'serious condition' after suffering head and neck injuries.
The cannabis plants found inside the flats above the shop were bagged up to be destroyed.
A source told The Sun: "This must be the world's most unlucky drug dealer. What are the chances of a car in a totally unrelated incident smashing into their drug farm?
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"It was quite a morning for the officers involved. The car chase was pretty full on, and just when they thought they had it under control they came across a growing operation."
The West Midlands Police website states that cannabis farms are 'very dangerous places' and pose a serious risk of fire, among other hazards.
"Criminals are using more inventive ways to conceal cannabis grows - not just in rooms, but in the back of shops and even underground," the force's website says.
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It continues: "It is also important to consider that sometimes the people working in the 'farms' are victims of human trafficking and working against their will.
"Every cannabis farm we destroy helps prevent a vicious circle. The plants won't 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."
LADbible has contacted West Midlands Police for any further comment.
Topics: Police, UK News, News, Cannabis