More cannabis plants found at hotel
MORE than 1,500 cannabis plants have now been seized from a Great Yarmouth hotel they raided. Officers were astonished to discover 1,580 plants, used to cultivate the powerful skunk cannabis, packed into 30 bedrooms at the Waverley Hotel - one the biggest drugs factories ever found in the county.
MORE than 1,500 cannabis plants have now been seized from a Great Yarmouth hotel they raided.
Officers were astonished to discover 1,580 plants, used to cultivate the powerful skunk cannabis, packed into 30 bedrooms at the Waverley Hotel - one the biggest drugs factories ever found in the county.
They also discovered weapons, including three Samurai swords, a machete and an air weapon.
Sgt Tony Blackman said: “We never dreamt it was going to be quite as extensive as it is. I believe it is the most plants ever found in one place in Yarmouth. In 20 years I haven't seen that much fertiliser in one cannabis factory.
“It is unique in that they set up in a hotel. I've never heard of that happening anywhere.”
He said “horrendous” wiring allowed the operators to divert the electricity supply from the meter, posing a serious fire hazard.
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Dark plastic sheeting over the windows and heat lamps were put up to encourage plant growth, and baths in the ensuites had been filled for watering the plants. More than 200 bags of fertiliser were stacked in the stairwell.
Police have informed the owners, who live in London and had closed the hotel on Princes Road temporarily to carry out refurbishments.
It is not known how long the drugs gang had been in operation, but the hotel had been unoccupied since work halted in October after a dispute with builders. The newly laid carpets and freshly painted rooms have been left in ruins.
Sgt Blackman said evidence showed a “gardener” had visited regularly, using one of the rooms, where police found a stash of pornographic magazines and cooking facilities.
“Neighbours knew it was being refurbished and did not expect to see many people coming in and out,” said Sgt Blackman.
“Our neighbourhood teams are being tasked to forge links with people who live in their areas, and this shows it works.”
Officers also found a golf club, a broken pool cue and a baseball bat, and a rottweiler was taken away by the RSPCA.
No arrests have been made.
Call Yarmouth police on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information.
