A man has been charged and remanded in custody after police found more than 160 cannabis plants growing in a property in South Oxhey.
Endrit Pepkolaj, 28, of no fixed address, has been charged with cultivation of cannabis following the discovery at a property in Gosforth Lane on Thursday, February 1. He has been remanded in custody and is awaiting his next court date.
Pepkolaj’s arrest and charge comes after officers from the Operation Scorpion team attended the address, following reports from the community about suspicious activity and a strong smell emanating from the property.
Following a search of the address, a total of 168 plants were recovered. These plants, which have an estimated street value of at least £47,000, will be destroyed.
Detective Sergeant Stuart Keene, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “This great result shows just how important intelligence from the local community is in helping us disrupt drug crime in Three Rivers. Those living nearby had noticed unusual activities and strong smells linked to the address and reported those to us.
“Spotting potential factories can be difficult for police as there is often little to indicate a property is being used in this way at first glance. However, information provided by residents enables us to take action and investigate potential addresses of interest.
“Gosforth Lane is a safer place now this factory has been dismantled, as criminals often seek to access free electricity and set up unsafe wiring to power the lamps and fans needed to grow the plants, which can cause a significant fire risk.”
If you believe there may be drug crime being committed in your neighbourhood, 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.
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