Police found a huge cannabis grow while carrying out a routine vehicle stop.
Officers were on patrol in The Meadows area when they noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from a passing van.
Police then followed to Meadows Way, where they pulled the vehicle over and carried out a search at around 2.45 am on Tuesday (31 January).
More than 50 mature cannabis plants were found packed inside the van, which was found to be being driven without the correct documentation.
After carrying out further inquiries, police linked the drugs seized during the stop to an industrial unit in Crossgate Drive, The Meadows.
Entry was gained to the address at around 8 am the same day, which led to an enormous haul of cannabis being discovered inside.
Around 550 plants were found growing in the unit, while electricity was dangerously bypassed to power the huge cannabis farm.
The seized drugs, estimated as valued at more than £550,000, have since been taken away and destroyed by police.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with the production of Class B drugs, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, fraud by false representation and driving without insurance.
He is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court later today (2 February).
Detective Sergeant Simon Carter, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a fantastic result that was sparked by officers carrying out a routine patrol of The Meadows area.
“The initial stop on its own would’ve represented a great piece of police work, but after carrying out further inquiries we were also able to shut down a much larger cannabis grow.
“Not only have we taken a large number of drugs off the streets of Nottingham, but we have also prevented criminals from making a large sum of money through crime.
“The result also shows our commitment to ensuring those who think they can bring drugs into our city will be stopped and brought to justice.
“Cannabis grows like the one shut down here are a blight on society and put people in danger, when you consider the huge fire hazard they pose to the surrounding community.”
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