Humming noise and smell lead officers to Mansfield cannabis grow
Strange noises and a potent smell led officers to the door of a cannabis grow in Mansfield.
Plain clothed officers acting on intelligence attended an address in Smith Street shortly before 11am on March 29.
A persistent humming noise and strong smell had previously been reported at the address – and both were immediately apparent when officers arrived at the scene.
Inside they found 179 plants located in various rooms at the property, which had been converted for the purpose of growing drugs.
The plants have since been taken away and all associated growing equipment put beyond use.
Extensive remedial work will now be required at the semi-detached property and dangerous alterations to the electrical system will also need to be remedied.
Xhimi Qevani, aged 42, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ court on March 31 and was jailed for 52 weeks after admitting to cultivating cannabis.
Insp Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield, said: “Cannabis grows of this nature are inherently dangerous, not only because of the elevated risk of fire they pose to neighbouring properties, but also because of the violence they can attract from rival criminal gangs.
“That’s why we are regularly asking the public to report suspicions they have about properties in their community – particularly around strange smells, noises and light sources.
“As in this case, once we have that information, we can devise a plan to take firm action – in this case by sending plain clothed officers to take a closer look.
“As it transpired, it didn’t take them long to find what they were looking for and bring a suspect into custody.”