400 illegal cannabis plants uncovered after police raid massive Mansfield and Nottingham grow sites

Teams from Radford and Nottingham city centre found a ‘significant' quantity of cannabis with an estimated street value of up to £200,000 while searching an address in Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green at around 3pm.

Crews from Mansfield were also made aware of suspicious activity in Southwell Road East, in Rainworth after a landlord had been refused entry to an address and had smelt cannabis.

After police gained entry into the property shortly after 5.50pm another set of around 200 plants were uncovered in a second farm.

Officers arrested two men, aged 42 and 48, at the scene who remain in custody.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Amy English said: “I am pleased that these operations have seen a large amount of cannabis taken out of circulation.

"Not only was this successful in the sense that drugs have been taken out of the hands of criminals who would have profited from their sale, but it also prevents and disrupts subsequent criminal activity related to drug dealing networks.

“Some people may think that cannabis growing is a victimless crime but quite frankly, they’re wrong.

"The production and distribution of drugs has a detrimental impact on communities and ruins lives.

"It can also often be linked to more serious organised crime and violence.

“Not only is cannabis growing illegal but it can also be extremely dangerous due to the fire risk, especially if people are living in adjoining properties.

"The production and supply of drugs have a hugely detrimental impact and we remain committed to doing all we can to bring those involved in the supply of such drugs to justice as well as preventing harmful drugs from hitting the streets.”

Electricity at the property in Rainworth had also been bypassed, causing potential electrical issues.

Inspector English continued: "We will continue to target offenders who blight our communities with drugs.

"Information from the public is vital in helping us crack down on drug crime and I'd urge anyone with any information about suspected drug-related activity in their community to get in touch with us.”

Residents who are concerned about suspicious behaviour should call police on 101, or 999 in the case of an emergency.

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