A man has been jailed for cannabis production in Boston. Neighbourhood Police acted on community intelligence.
A man has been jailed for eight months after Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers conducted enquiries an address in Boston, following reports of a suspected cannabis grow.
Francesko Refitaj, 21, of Wyberton Road, Boston, pleaded guilty to the production of a controlled drug of Class B – cannabis and was sentenced to eight months in prison when he appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Friday 29 August.
Officers from Boston NPT had received intelligence from concerned members of the community suggesting that there may be a cannabis grow inside the property on Wyberton Road.
Sergeant Will Robson and PC Pratt were conducting enquiries at around 12.25pm on Thursday 20 August. After knocking on the door and receiving no answer, PC Pratt investigated the rear of the property. A man then ran from the front of the address but was detained a short distance down the street after Sergeant Robson chased the man, being guided by helpful members of the public. The man was located hiding within a rose bush – a painful experience for all those involved.
Officers located approximately 114 cannabis plants in the property which were estimated to have potential yields as follows:
– If sold in kilograms (£3,000 to £5,000 per kilogram) the cannabis from this property could achieve values of approximately £9,000 to £45,000.
– If sold in ounces, the cannabis from this property could achieve values of £18,360 to £64,800.
– If selling in grams, the cannabis from this property could achieve values of £30,240 to £90,720.
The cannabis plants and potential yields from this property are consistent with commercial production of cannabis.
Sergeant Will Robson of Boston’s NPT said: “We are extremely grateful to members of our community who came forward with information that helped us to take action at this premises. Thanks to their vigilance, we were able to disrupt illegal activity and safeguard the public.
“Given the nature of the premises involved – a terraced property – we are acutely aware of the potential risks posed to neighbouring homes. Cannabis grows often present serious safety hazards, particularly due to illegal tampering of electrical systems, which significantly increases the risk of fire.
“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all residents in Boston. We encourage anyone with further concerns or information to contact us directly or speak with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.”
