Eight arrests have been made following search warrants finding properties farming thousands of pounds worth of cannabis.
South and West Yorkshire Police have worked together to raid various properties in Doncaster and Barnsley, as well as several properties across the border, to put a stop to criminal gangs producing and supplying cannabis across the UK.
Detective Chief Inspector, Antony Slater said: “Cannabis farms are often linked to organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people. These factories significantly impact local communities, and we will continue in our efforts to disrupt organised criminality and create safer neighbourhoods.”
One third storey flat in Doncaster was searched and found full of cannabis plants at various stages of growth. In total, over 180 cannabis plants were recovered, estimated to be worth a street value of £180,000.
The warrants also saw the recovery of approximately 14kg of cannabis buds, large amounts of cash, two designer watches and a deactivated firearm.
Four men have been charged with both conspiracy to produce and conspiracy to supply the controlled Class B drug cannabis. Three men were bailed pending further investigation.
Deividas Vilcinskas, 23, and Dariusz Matikas, 40, both of Kentmere Drive in Doncaster, alongside Deimantas Plytninkas, 27, of No Fixed Abode and Edgar Cetyrkovskis, 30, of Southfield Crescent in Barnsley, were all remanded at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on 17 October.
They are set to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 14 November.
To continue the operation, police also stopped a vehicle in connection with the executed warrants where a fifth man was charged with conspiracy to produce and conspiracy to supply the controlled Class B drug cannabis too.
Redas Klusas, 56, of Kingsway, Thurnscoe, was remanded at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 18 October. He is next due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 15 November.
Slater further said:
“Selling cannabis funds organised crime in our communities and this needs to stop. We would urge the public to report any concerns to us. Be vigilant and look out of for the signs that a property is being used for illegal activity.”
South Yorkshire Police have advised that signs a property is being used for growing cannabis include:
- A heavy smell of cannabis
- Blacked out windows
- Excessive condensation on windows
- A blocked letterbox
- Heavy use of anti-odour devices
- Visitors at unusual hours; only staying for a short period of time
- The property seemingly not being lived in
Information can be reported by contacting South Yorkshire Police via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.