Large cannabis haul uncovered at Mansfield's historic Town Mill listed building
More than a million pounds worth of cannabis has been recovered from the former pub and historic nineteenth century mill.
Officers executed a warrant at Town Mill, in Bridge Street, Mansfield, shortly before 5pm on Friday, September 20, and found more than 2,000 plants in multiple rooms of the former mill.
The plants, which were at various states of gestation, had a potential street value of more than £1million.
A suspect was detained a short time later near St Peter and St Paul Church.
The plants have now been taken away and all associated growing equipment put beyond use.
Emergency work on the building's electrical system was also required.
Fatmir Khculi, aged 28, has been charged with cultivating cannabis.
Khculi, of Bridge Street, Mansfield, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 23, and was remanded into custody.
He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 22 October.
Inspector Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield, said: “We had reason to believe this site was being used for illegal purposes and our suspicions were confirmed when we gained entry.
“This historic Grade II listed building is well known to generations of people in Mansfield and was placed at a significant risk by the illegal activities inside.
“So as well as being pleased at the very large quantity of illegal drugs we recovered, and I am also pleased we have been able to protect this local landmark from further harm.”
The Grade II listed mill dates back to the mid-nineteenth century when its water-powered milling gear produced flour for the town’s bakers.
It was later used for textile production and then became a public house.