Officers from the Operational Support Group (OSG) discovered a cannabis factory at a residential property in Hemel Hempstead this week.
The team were conducting proactive patrols in frosty conditions when their attention was drawn to a suspicious looking address.
As they knocked at the door, a man fled from the rear of the property, hopping over fences in an attempt to escape. With assistance from a drone, a man was quickly detained in a nearby garden.
Upon entering the address, a confirmed cannabis grow was found inside, spanning over three floors. It was dismantled and enquiries continue.
Rustem Kola, 26, of no fixed address, has been charged with:
- Being concerned in the production of a controlled class B drug (cannabis)
- Acquiring/using/possessing criminal property
He has been remanded into custody ahead of a hearing at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, February 11.
Inspector Paul Stanbridge said: “Officers are always out and about, conducting proactive patrols and looking for suspicious activity.
“I hope this serves as a warning to people that we are watching and improving our tactics all the time.
“I also hope it provides some reassurance to members of the public that we do take these issues seriously and are working hard to remove drugs from our streets. The criminality and exploitation often associated with them causes misery and fear among local communities.
“If you have any information which may assist, please don’t hesitate to report it; every call helps us to build the intelligence we need to take action.”
You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
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