07/09/2007 00:00:00
UK: Man jailed for managing cannabis factory
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A man has been jailed for managing one of the biggest cannabis factories
ever discovered in Norfolk.
The factory, in a converted pig shed at Attleborough, contained
thousands of cannabis plants and was capable of producing drugs with a
street value of £2.3m, bringing the growers an estimated £1m profit.
Anthony Hindle, 37, of Fifers Lane, Norwich, appeared before Norwich
Crown Court and admitted two counts of conspiracy to produce cannabis,
possession of cocaine and a firearms charge.
Police officers discovered the factory at Walnut Tree Farm, West Carr
Road, Attleborough, on March 24. After forcing entry, they found what
they described as a “significant hydroponics cannabis-growing facility”.
The court heard the factory was a sophisticated set-up with high-wattage
lamps, ventilation ducts and generators.
It contained 2,089 flowering cannabis plants capable of producing
exceptionally large amounts of good quality skunk-type cannabis with a
potential for three crops a year.
Hindle admitted his involvement with the Attleborough factory and
another at Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
He also admitted possession of nearly 28 grams of cocaine, which was
found in his car, and possession of a pistol.
Recorder John Akast said it was in Hindle's favour that the Attleborough
factory was in the early stages of production and that he was not the
organiser or owner. Nevertheless, he played a crucial role.
“It seems to me he was central in the day-to-day running of the
operation. This defendant was very much their man on the spot. He
clearly had a significant role in setting the factory up and in
maintaining its running day to day.”
Jailing Hindle for a total of eight years, four months, Mr Akast told
him: “If you get involved in an operation this size there is a price to
pay. I'm sorry about it but this is too large to overlook.”
Hindle winced as sentence was passed.
Investigating officer Det Sgt Jason Davis of Thetford CID said: “The
sentence is the culmination of a lengthy and involved police
investigation involving a large number of officers.
“The sentence should send out a clear message that individuals who play
a part in drugs supply will be dealt with robustly.
“This was a highly sophisticated and highly organised operation and was
clearly set up as a commercial enterprise at the top end of the scale.”
http://new.edp24.co.uk/
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12824
Author:
Eastern Daily Press via UKCIA
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