By Hundreds more cannabis plants recovered in Grimsby
Humberside Police have recovered hundreds more cannabis plants in Grimsby, following the discovery of a factory on the junction of Riby Square earlier this week.
The site of the Riby Square cannabis factory is currently on fire, causing the closure of Cleethorpe Road.
Police officers and firefighters are on the scene tackling the blaze.
Subsequently, officers have reported finding two further cannabis grows, which have been removed from business premises and houses across Grimsby this week.
On Monday four men and a woman were arrested as a result of warrants at two houses in Gilbey Road, where officers recovered more than 70 cannabis plants, along with other class B drugs, cash and weapons.
On Wednesday, an estimated 278 plants were found growing in a disused Chinese restaurant in Cleethorpe Road.
As a result of the strikes Krzsztof Wladyslaw Hubar, 30, and Kamil Wojnarowicz, 28, both of Gilbey Road, Grimsby, were charged with production of drugs, possession of drugs with intent to supply and theft.
Shkelzen Gashi, 20, of Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, was charged with production of drugs and the dishonest use of electricity.
Hubar, Wojnarowicz and Gashi were remanded in custody.
Detective Inspector Tom Kelly, who has led the operation, said:
“My mission is to help keep the communities of North and North East Lincolnshire safe and protect some of the most vulnerable in our communities – and targeting large scale cannabis grows such as the ones we have uncovered this week is a vital part of that.
“Although dealing with the crime and antisocial behaviour that is often associated with drug use remains a priority for us, there are a number of serious issues associated with these kind of grows that go beyond this.
“In many cases the power comes from illegally tampering with electricity supplies, increasing the risk of fires and putting those living and working in neighbouring properties at risk.
“It’s also common for organised crime groups to exploit vulnerable people who they have trafficked into the country or forced into Modern Day Slavery to manage these grows, with no regard for their wellbeing or safety.
“In these cases many growers are forced to live in squalid conditions, with little food or access to basic amenities.
“This isn’t something we are prepared to tolerate in our force area and we will continue to proactively target these drug production operations.
“I am really pleased with the progress we have made this week. However, if we are to continue to do so, we need your help.
“If you have concerns about drug-related crime in your area, please let us know.”
Contact Gi Grimsby
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
