£1.8 Million Cannabis Operation Discovered in New Homes

A significant cannabis cultivation operation valued at £1.8 million was uncovered in two newly constructed homes in Fen Drayton, England. On January 7, 2023, local police discovered a total of 1,856 cannabis plants dispersed across 19 rooms in the properties located on Mill Road. This operation has led to the imprisonment of four individuals involved in the illegal enterprise.

The police intervention was prompted by information and concerns raised by local residents. Upon investigating the five-bedroom homes, officers seized not only the cannabis plants but also growing equipment, cash, and mobile phones. During the search, two suspects, Thao Hoang, aged 44, and Nam Nguyen, aged 21, were discovered hiding in a cupboard on the top floor of one of the houses. Meanwhile, two other suspects, Ban Hoang, aged 50, and Phao Nguyen, aged 39, attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended after jumping a fence.

In the proceedings at Peterborough Crown Court on July 25, 2023, all four men faced charges related to the production of cannabis. Thao Hoang and Ban Hoang pleaded guilty, while Nam Nguyen and Phao Nguyen were found guilty following a trial. Each was sentenced to 13 months in prison.

Detective Constable Kieran Wickens, who led the investigation, emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling such criminal activities. He stated, “Thanks to information received and our own investigation, we were able to shut down this cannabis factory. We can’t be everywhere and we rely on people in communities being our eyes and ears. If you suspect something isn’t right, it more than likely isn’t.”

The discovery of this cannabis factory in Fen Drayton highlights ongoing challenges in combating illegal drug production. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities, reinforcing the critical role of community vigilance in ensuring safety and maintaining order.