Jail for cannabis grower as Hucknall police crackdown on drugs in communities

Following a raid on an Underwood address, Hucknall Neighbourhood Officers discovered 65 cannabis plants in two grow rooms with the electricity meter bypassed.

Russell Crossman, 46, of Kimberley Street, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to abstracting electricity and producing a controlled Class B drug when he appeared before Nottingham Crown Court.

The court heard that police executed a warrant at the Alfreton Road house that Crossman was renting on 19th November last year.

Although the property was empty police were able to link it to Crossman thanks to strong evidence from a witness who described a vehicle and two people who had been regular visitors to the house.

Further links were made through a tenancy agreement in Crossman’s name and a receipt for gardening equipment which was found at the property and purchased using Crossman’s credit card.

He was arrested and on 14th May 2015 Crossman was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

The judge in the case commended the witness who had provided vital evidence.

Insp Nick Butler of Hucknall Police said: “Thanks to a thorough investigation by the officer in charge and the evidence of a key witness we have been able to put a stop to this this illegal activity– making our communities safer as a result.

“This is a continuation of our proactive work around tackling drugs in Hucknall and builds on the Cannabis Campaign we ran last year.

“Residential properties used as sites for cannabis cultivation pose risks to the rest of the community; there is an increased risk of fire, criminal and antisocial behaviour, and the chance of neighbouring homes being targeted by burglars looking for a grow.”

Insp Butler said the actions of a few are affecting the community more than people might think.

“The modern cannabis plants are extremely powerful and pungent,” said Insp Butler. “Even a small grow can generate a powerful, offensive smell which can affect innocent people in their own home.

“It causes neighbours of growers to suffer headaches and cause sleeping problems for families, especially children.”

Neighbours are not the only victims as other people are being exploited by these operators.

“People are being forced to grow cannabis in their homes or being made to rent their properties out to these criminals,” added Insp Butler. “But we are coming down hard and we will also follow up any financial gains and confiscating assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

If you think there could be a cannabis cultivation in your street or community then call Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police have issued this list as a guide of signs that could point to a cannabis cultivation:

· Strong, sickly smell given off by cannabis plants.

· High levels of condensation.

· Constantly covered or blocked off windows.

· Cannabis growing equipment transported to and from house.

· External modifications to the property, like ventilation.

· Constant buzz of ventilation.

· People loitering.

· Strong and constant lighting day and night.

· Unsociable coming and going at all hours.

· Lots of power cables.