Newly planted cannabis grow found in Gainsborough

A newly-planted cannabis grow which had the potential to be cultivated into drugs for sale on our streets has been uncovered at an abandoned building in Gainsborough.

Around 700 seedling cannabis plants were found in a number of rooms across two floors with equipment needed to grow, and we have officers there dismantling it.

They were discovered at a building in Silver Street just after 3am yesterday (14 July) after officers responded to a report that a window had been smashed at a different building.

Crews from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue also attended following concerns there may be a fire, and on checking a nearby building which had previously had a fire, they found what appeared to be drug cultivation of cannabis plants. No fire was located, and officers quickly took over the scene to make it safe and ensure the plants are destroyed.

We remain on scene today while specialist search teams, officers from our Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and forensics officers carry out initial enquiries.

Several hours after the discovery, our enquiries led us to four men who have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 24-year-old man and two 28-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of production of a class B drug (cannabis), and have been released under investigation while enquiries continue. 

A 32-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of the same offence and released under investigation, and was also arrested on suspicion of entering the UK without leave. He remains in custody for the immigration offence, and will be released in to the custody of immigration officials.

We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this cannabis grow, or may have seen or heard something at around 3am on 14 July.

If you can help with our investigation, there are a number of ways to get in touch:

• By calling 101 quoting incident 35 of 14 July.
• By emailing [email protected]quoting incident 35 of 14 July in the subject line.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.