Man behind bars for turning Northwich home into cannabis farm

Police discovered more than 100 cannabis plants when they raided his semi-detached property in Walker Road, Winnington.

Eduard Miceli was sentenced to 24 months in a young offender institution at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, June 6.

The court was told: “The offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.

“The defendant has a flagrant disregard for people and their property.”

Eduard Miceli, 20, of Walker Road, Winnington, pleaded guilty to the production of class B drugs ( cannabis) (Image: Cheshire Police)

The 20-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to production of a class B drugs (cannabis).

The court heard how officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit conducted a warrant at his home on March 2 and found drugs growing in four rooms, including a bathroom.

Police discovered more than 100 cannabis plants in his home (Image: Cheshire Police)

Miceli was inside the property at the time but attempted to evade officers and flee the scene.

He was later arrested on Winnington Road following a 15-minute foot chase.

During subsequent searches of the address, officers found that four rooms within the property had been taken over by the cannabis farm.

The loft had also been insulated and appeared to have been used for a previous grow.

Cannabis plants were growing in four rooms (Image: Cheshire Police)

They also found that the power had been diverted from the main consumer unit, causing a major fire hazard.

An order was made for all the drugs and paraphernalia to be forfeited and destroyed.

Following the sentencing, Sgt Leanne Brundrett, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Thanks to this warrant we’ve been able to remove a significant quantity of illegal drugs from the streets of Northwich and a 20-year-old man is now behind bars.

Cannabis plants were discovered n the bathroom (Image: Cheshire Police)

“The impact that illegal drugs have on communities should not be underestimated, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“However, intelligence from the local community is vital and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch.

"You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”

There are a number of signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including:

• A strong and sickly sweet smell

• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment

• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings

• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see

• Strong and constant lighting day and night

• High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up

• A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the growers try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow

• Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use.

To report a suspected cannabis farm or any other type of drug-related offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, give the details online at cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.