Officers from Nottinghamshire Police have uncovered nine cannabis grows and arrested two men following a major policing operation.
A total number of 35 officers took part in a planned drugs warrant in the Tolney Lane area of Newark at around 9am today (Thursday 26 November).
The team was made up by three Reacher teams from Newark, Mansfield and Bassetlaw, neighbourhood officers and the cannabis dismantling team. They also utilised the force drone, a quad bike and specialised kit including infrared goggles.
Heather Sutton, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “We had reason to believe that cannabis was being cultivated in a specific area of the site so we arrived and split into teams in order to conduct a thorough search.
“What we located was nine cannabis grows, each of a substantial size. We also recovered a caravan and horse box believed to have been stolen from Cambridgeshire and Stafford-upon-Avon.
“There were several occupants on site, two of these were arrested – a 33-year old-man on suspicion of being concerned in the production of controlled drugs and a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of failing to appear in court.”
The cannabis dismantling team is currently working to remove the plants which will be taken away and destroyed.
There is thought to be around 376 plants which have a street value of £80,000.
Inspector Sutton said: “The public voiced their concerns and we acted on them which has led to us uncovering some very serious criminal activity.
“I’d like to thank local people for their understanding during any disruption. They were really co-operative this morning and supportive of our enquiries.
“This was a highly complex operation involving various teams from across the force and we can utilise these resources whenever we need to.
“I’m really pleased with the outcome and it’s testament to the officers involved for their hard work, professionalism and tenacity.”
The stolen caravan and stolen trailer will be forensically examined to form part of the investigation and work is underway to reunite then with their owners.
The two men remain in custody as enquiries continue.
