Police conducting a warrant in Derbyshire have discovered a cannabis grow at a residential property.
The warrant was carried out by Derbyshire Police earlier this month.
A spokesman for Alfreton Police SNT said on Saturday (January 13): “Officers from Heanor and Langley Mill Police SNT, Alfreton Police SNT and Codnor, Ripley and Waingroves Police SNT conducted a warrant on Thursday, January 4, at a property in Leabrooks resulting in a large cannabis grow being discovered.
“A 32-year old male was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Eaton has previously said in relation to the force’s Operation MILLE: “The illegal production of cannabis is sometimes seen as low level but it’s important to remember that is often run by serious organised crime groups who exploit vulnerable people.
“They also usually involve a vast amount of electrical equipment to provide lighting and heating, which can cause a real safety risk to others in the neighbourhood.”
He added: “It’s clear that those behind the grows have little thought for the safety and welfare of others, and by going after those involved in cannabis production, we are able to disrupt their activities and take positive action to help prevent the potential for associated crimes such as exploitation, violence and anti-social behaviour.”
Derbyshire Police have set out some key signs that could mean a property could be being used to grow cannabis.
These include:
Frequent visitors to a property at unsocial hours throughout the day and night;
Blacked out windows or condensation on the windows, even when it is not cold outside.
Bright lights in rooms throughout the night.
Electricity meters being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting. High electricity bills could also be an indicator
A powerful, distinctive, sweet, sickly aroma and noise from fans.
Lots of work or deliveries of equipment to an address, particularly those associated with growing plants indoors without soil such as heaters and lighting.
An excessive amount of plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers, and compost.
The police spokesman added: “If you have any information which could help us target illegal drug activity, you can report it to us on any of the non-emergency methods via our website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://orlo.uk/Thszj; Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page; Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact; or by calling 101.
“You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website at https://orlo.uk/Fovm8
“Please note in the event of an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, you should always call 999.”

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Photo is from the Alfreton Police SNT Facebook page

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