Man jailed after cannabis farm discovered in Winsford

A man has been jailed for more than two years after a cannabis farm was discovered at an address in Winsford.

Mark Platt appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 18 December where he was sentenced to 27 months in prison.

The 55-year-old, of no fixed abode, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and production of class B drugs (cannabis).

The court heard how in the early hours of Sunday 4 February 2024, Platt was arrested by officers from GMP in relation to an unrelated matter.

Following his arrest officers recovered a mobile phone along with the keys to an address on Fieldfare, Winsford.

A search was subsequently undertaken at the address where officers discovered a large cannabis farm containing approximately 218 plants at various stages of growth. It was estimated that the cannabis had a potential street value of up to £215,420.

As well as the cannabis, officers also discovered approximately 75 grams of cocaine at the address, which had a potential street value of up to £9,350.

Officers also found a number of pictures of the cannabis farm when examining Platt’s mobile phone.

Platt was subsequently questioned in relation to the discovery, but he refused to answer any of the questions put to him by officers.

Despite his silence, he was subsequently charged in relation to the matter.

Following the sentencing, PC Wayne Thomas, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Platt and I hope it acts as a warning to others involved in the supply or production of illegal drugs.

“It is clear that Platt was running a professional cannabis farm, this wasn’t simply just a few cannabis plants, the whole building had been fitted out with thousands of pounds worth of equipment to maximise the potential yield.

“Thankfully, we were able to seize all of these plants, along with the cocaine, and prevent them from being sold on the streets of Winsford, and Platt is now being held accountable for his actions behind bars.

“While Platt is now behind bars, our fight against illegal drugs remains ongoing and we urge residents to remain vigilant and anyone who suspects this activity is happening near them to come forward and tell us about it.”

To report a suspected cannabis farm or any other type of drug-related offence, call us 101, give the details via our website or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Mark Platt.