Man jailed after cannabis farm found in Northwich

A man who managed a sophisticated cannabis farm at a residential address in Northwich has been jailed.

Eduard Miceli appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 6 June where he was sentenced to 24 months.

The 20-year-old, of Walker Road, Winnington, had previously pleaded guilty to production of a class B drugs (Cannabis).

The court heard how on Thursday 2 March, officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit conducted a warrant an address on Walker Road, Winnington.

Upon entering the address officers discovered that the semi-detached property had been turned into a sophisticated cannabis farm containing more than 100 cannabis plants.

Miceli was also inside the property, however he attempted to evade officers and flee the scene on foot. He was later arrested on Winnington Road following a 15-minute foot chase.

During subsequent searches of the address, officers found that four rooms within the property had been taken over by the Cannabis farm, the loft had also been insulated and appeared to have been used for a previous grow.

They also found that the power had been diverted from the main consumer unit, causing a major fire hazard.

Following the sentencing, Sergeant Leanne Brundrett, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said:

“Thanks to this warrant we’ve been able to remove a significant quantity of illegal drugs from the streets of Northwich and a 20-year-old man is now behind bars.

“The impact that illegal drugs have on communities should not be underestimated, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“However, intelligence from the local community is vital and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”

There are a number of signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including:

• A strong and sickly sweet smell
• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment
• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings
• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see
• Strong and constant lighting day and night
• High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up
• A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the growers try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow
• Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use.

To report a suspected cannabis farm or any other type of drug-related offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, give the details online at: 

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report 

...or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Eduard Miceli of Walker Road in Winnington.