Man jailed following Crewe cannabis farm closure

A man has been jailed for 18 months after officers seized over 300 cannabis plants from a farm in Crewe.

Thang Nguyen, of no fixed abode, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 22 January where he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

The 54-year-old was previously found guilty of production of class B drugs (cannabis).

The court heard that on Saturday 27 July 2024, officers from Crewe Local Policing Unit conducted a warrant at an address on High Street, Crewe.

The property had been converted into a cannabis farm containing a total of 369 cannabis plants.

Drug analysis experts estimated the plants could yield between £30,000 and £217,500 worth of drugs.

Officers swiftly arrested Nguyen, who was inside the property at the time. He was later charged.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jamie Roberts who led the investigation said:

“This is a great result which has enabled us to remove a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets of Crewe.

“This address had been converted into a sophisticated cannabis farm, with specialist lighting and ventilation systems to maximise the amount of class B drugs being cultivated inside. In total, the building contained well over 300 cannabis plants at various stages of growth, which have since been destroyed.

"We would urge anyone who has any concerns regarding the production or supply of illegal substances to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or visit:

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

There are a number 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.

Pictured - Thang Nguyen of no fixed abode.