Cannabis grow could generate an annual turnover of around £350,000, say police

Lincolnshire Police officers have seized 165 cannabis plants after carrying out a raid on a property in Welbourn, near Sleaford.

The warrant was carried out on Friday (October 16) when officers discovered a cannabis grow that spread across multiple rooms in the property.

Officers dismantled the grow and seized the 165 cannabis plants as part of the investigation.

A force spokesperson said the plants had begun to flower and were estimated to be around two to three weeks away from being ready to harvest, after which they would require a further period of drying before potentially being sold.

They said: “The electricity supply at the property had also been bypassed, creating a significant safety and fire risk. National Grid attended to help make the property safe.

“Based on the size and stage of the grow, it is estimated that the operation could have generated an annual turnover of around £350,000.”

Two people were arrested in connection with the discovery, said police.

A 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, producing a Class B controlled drug, and abstracting electricity without authority. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, producing a Class B controlled drug, and abstracting electricity without authority and has also been released on bail.

Sergeant Alex Taylor said a “significant cannabis grow”, commenting: “Of particular concern was the way the electricity supply had been bypassed. This was extremely dangerous and presented a serious fire risk, not only within the property but potentially to neighbouring properties and the wider community.

“Cannabis grows of this nature can involve significant sums of money and often bring other risks and criminality into our communities.

“This discovery also shows that cannabis grows are not something we only encounter in larger towns. They can be found anywhere, including in our smaller villages and rural communities, and we will continue to target this type of criminality across Lincolnshire.

“The public have an important role to play in helping us do that. Information reported to us helps officers build up an intelligence picture and gather the evidence needed to take action, including executing warrants.

“We would encourage people to trust their instincts. If you notice unusual or suspicious activity at a property, please tell us. What might seem like a small piece of information to you could be extremely valuable to our investigation.”