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Police have carried out a series of raids on eight properties being used as cannabis factories in the South and City areas of Leicester. More than a 1,000 plants with an estimated street value of over ten thousand pounds have been seized from addresses on Cleveley Avenue, Fitzroy Street, Bland Road, Reynolds Place, Fosse Road South and Moira Street. The operation, which launched yesterday afternoon, (Wednesday May 7) has so far led to the arrest of a 40-year-old male. Another man has also been arrested in connection with incident. They both remain in police custody. The raids have been carried out by South and City area police and officers hope this will send out a strong message to those involved in the cultivation, production and supply of drugs that these kinds of activities will not be tolerated. Inspector Mark Chell, Commander of Blaby local policing unit said: "This operation has prevented a large quantity of cannabis from getting out onto the streets. "We recognise the effect drugs have on local communities, which is why we take firm action on anyone involved in these kinds of activities. "There's also a big public safety element to these raids in that these factories constitute a huge fire risk. A great deal of electricity is consumed through domestic wiring systems which are simply not designed to cope. "Local communities can help us in this fight against drug crime by letting us know if they have any suspicions about properties in their street. "If you have any concerns about properties in your local area then we'd urge you to contact us. Even if it turns out that the property is not being used for illegal means, it is better that we are given the opportunity to investigate than for criminal activities to continue unchecked." Anyone with any information about the supply and cultivation of cannabis is asked to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 2222222. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111. * Please note, some mobile ‘phone service providers may charge for this call |
