The quiet industrial estate in Birmingham erupted into an emerald nightmare last month when fire crews discovered one of the largest cannabis factories ever seen in the West Midlands - but the real story lies in the mysterious figure behind the operation.
Matthew 'Matty Chilly' Chillery, a 38-year-old former soldier turned entrepreneur, now finds himself at the centre of a major police investigation after the spectacular fire that destroyed his £1.6 million cannabis cultivation facility.
From Battlefield to Grow House
Chillery's journey from military service to alleged drug kingpin reads like a crime thriller. After leaving the army, the father-of-three established himself as a legitimate businessman with interests spanning security firms and property development. But according to police sources, his most profitable venture remained hidden behind the unassuming walls of Unit 14 on the Reddicap Trading Estate.
'This wasn't some amateur set-up,' revealed a West Midlands Police insider. 'We're talking about industrial-scale production with sophisticated lighting, irrigation systems, and security measures worthy of a military installation.'
The Night the Emerald City Burned
Firefighters responding to multiple 999 calls on September 14th were met with an astonishing sight. Flames licked through the roof while the distinct, sweet smell of burning cannabis filled the air for miles around.
What they discovered inside was even more remarkable:
- Over 3,000 cannabis plants at various stages of growth
- Sophisticated climate control systems worth approximately £200,000
- Illegal electricity bypasses draining power from the national grid
- Security systems including reinforced doors and CCTV monitoring
The Insurance Question
Detectives are now investigating whether the fire was deliberately set as part of an elaborate insurance scam. Sources confirm the building and its contents were insured for substantial sums, though official figures remain undisclosed.
'The timing raises questions,' noted insurance fraud investigator Sarah Jenkins. 'Large-scale cannabis operations often carry significant insurance coverage for equipment and business interruption. When the heat becomes too much, some operators see fire as an exit strategy.'
A Community in Shock
Local business owners expressed shock at discovering the sophisticated operation in their midst. 'You never expect something like this right next door,' said neighbouring unit owner David Thompson. 'We just thought they were doing some kind of hydroponic farming. The scale is unbelievable.'
West Midlands Police continue to appeal for information as their investigation intensifies. Meanwhile, Matty Chillery remains unavailable for comment, his once-promising business empire now literally up in smoke.
