Nottingham City West neighbourhood officers have been tackling illegal cannabis cultivation, dismantling two significant grows within the space of a week.
Acting on vital community intelligence, the police seized over 350 cannabis plants across two properties, highlighting the importance of public involvement in tackling drug-related crime.
First Raid: Wigman Road, Bilborough
On Thursday, 12 December, officers acted swiftly after receiving public concerns about a property on Wigman Road, Bilborough. Despite no response at the door, the team forced entry at around 8:40 am, uncovering 209 cannabis plants spread across multiple growing areas inside the house.
Tampered electrical systems were discovered, with modifications made to bypass power safely. This illegal setup, designed to sustain the plants, posed a significant fire risk to neighbouring homes. The cannabis dismantling team promptly removed the plants and equipment, neutralising the threat.
Second Raid: Arleston Drive, Wollaton
Days earlier, on the morning of 6 December, the same team targeted another suspected grow house on Arleston Drive, Wollaton. Concerns from local residents prompted officers to force their way into the property, where evidence of tampered electrics confirmed the presence of a cannabis farm.
Inside, more than 140 plants were located and dismantled, along with the growing equipment. Like the Bilborough property, this grow also relied on dangerous electrical modifications that could have jeopardised the safety of the surrounding area.
Sergeant Darran Owen of Nottinghamshire Police praised the role of the public in these successful operations:
“Both these raids wouldn’t have been possible without the buy-in from the community, who reported concerns about them to us. We’d like to thank the public for doing this and would urge anyone with information about drugs production in their area to contact us on 101.”
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Sergeant Owen emphasised the risks posed by household cannabis farms, from fire hazards to the wider criminal issues they introduce into neighbourhoods:
“Household-based cannabis grows like these two cannot be allowed to happen, for the very simple reason they put all those around them at serious risk of harm.”
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Communities
Nottinghamshire Police remain committed to eradicating cannabis production and its associated dangers. The raids on Wigman Road and Arleston Drive are part of broader efforts to protect communities from the risks these operations pose, including electrical fires and the increased likelihood of criminal activity.
These incidents highlight the power of community intelligence in driving effective policing. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicions to the authorities, ensuring illegal activities are identified and swiftly dealt with.
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