Six men have been charged after police uncovered and dismantled a massive multi-million pound cannabis-growing operation.
Just over 4,800 plants, all at varying stages of maturity, were found inside a disused industrial unit in Botany Avenue, Mansfield.
Neighbourhood, response, and tactical support group officers attended the address on Sunday (3 May 2026).
A dog officer and police drone were also used as part of the operation, including checking for any movement or entry points.
A thorough search was carried out after officers gained entry to the unit, leading to the arrests of six suspects.
They have all since been charged with possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, being concerned in the production of a Class B drug, and acquire/use/possess criminal property.
Those charged are: Lanti Avapi, aged 45, Eldis Beneri, aged 34, Robert Ruko, aged 47, Artu Ruqu, aged 44, and Elton Salihasi, aged 41, all of no fixed address, and Ardit Gjonaj, aged 37, of Crocketts Lane, Smethwick, Sandwell, West Midlands.
They appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (5 May 2026) and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 2 June.
Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We had reason to believe this site was being used for illegal purposes and our suspicions were soon confirmed when we gained entry and discovered an extremely large industrial-sized cannabis farm.
“Targeting drug-related criminality and taking harmful substances off our streets is one of our key policing priorities so I’m pleased we were able to recover such a large amount of illegal drugs, preventing them from hitting the streets, and bring these six suspects before the court.”
