The serious safety risks posed by illegal cannabis grows have been highlighted after a man was jailed over a 165-plant growing operation.
Police forced entry into a house in Tudsbury Terrace, Sutton-in-Ashfield, after spotting clear signs of a grow at the address.
There was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the property, windows had been covered in plastic and the noise of fans could be heard.
Four grow areas were located inside and the electricity supply had been tampered with – with electric packs hanging freely above buckets of water.
When officers went upstairs they found 44-year-old Vullnett Bode attempting to hide behind the bathroom door and he was arrested while the property was further searched on 10 November 2021.
Bode, of no fixed address, went on to plead guilty to the cultivation of cannabis and he was locked up for 12 months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Monday (7 March 2022).
Inspector Jon Hewitt, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Reducing drug dealing and supply is one of the current policing priorities for the Ashfield district.
“We will continue to take positive action to remove harmful drugs from our streets and pursue criminals like Bode who seek to profit from other people’s misery.
“The cultivation and distribution of drugs have a negative impact on communities and can often be linked to other serious offences.
“In addition to this there are serious fire and health risks whenever people interfere with electricity which could potentially prove to be fatal.
“My message to anyone involved in drug dealing is very clear: we’re watching you and it could be you next. We will be relentless in pursuing you, we will catch you and work tirelessly to bring you before the court.”
Anyone who has information about drug dealing in their area is urged to please have the confidence to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Young people can also pass on information about crime completely anonymously, using a secure online form, through the youth service Fearless – which is a part of Crimestoppers.
The Fearless website offers young people non-judgemental advice so they can make informed decisions about reporting crime. The service also engages with and educates young people about the consequences of their choices around crime.
To pass on information or for more details visit: https://www.fearless.org/en
