£3m Drug Haul: Six Jailed for Sophisticated Operation

Nottinghamshire Police recently dismantled a large-scale cannabis operation, leading to the imprisonment of six men. Officers raided a fortified warehouse in Mansfield, alerted by a strong cannabis odor. Inside, they discovered almost 5,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value between £1 million and £3 million, marking the force's largest cannabis seizure to date.

The court heard the operation was "extremely large and sophisticated," featuring bricked-up entrances and CCTV surveillance. The men, all of no fixed address except for one, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a Class B drug. They were found living in cramped and unsanitary conditions within the premises.

Sentencing on Tuesday, the judge acknowledged that each defendant played a lesser role, lacking managerial or directing functions. Sentences varied from 22 to 36 months. The discovery included 3,928 plants in growing areas and an additional 935 in a drying area, with the plants described as healthy and well-maintained.