PHOTOS: Brighton Man Jailed After Cannabis Worth £36k Seized

Wednesday, 30 March 2022 06:41

A Brighton man found with around £36,000-worth of home-grown cannabis has been jailed.

Members of them public in the Rushlake Road area who were concerned about suspected drug dealing, alerted police to their suspicions.

Officers from Brighton and Hove’s Tactical Enforcement Unit carried out house to house enquiries on Sunday, March 13.

Suspicions were raised when one resident opened his door and police could hear fans whirring in the background with a strong smell of cannabis.

A thermal imaging camera used by a PCSO also detected an unusual amount of heat coming from inside.

A search was carried out of the address, which found four rooms filled with cannabis cultivation equipment and signs that dozens of plants had recently been harvested.

Two large bags filled with herbal cannabis were also found, with a wholesale value estimated to be up to £36,000.

Albert Frani, 27, of Rushlake Road in Brighton, was arrested and charged with being concerned in the production of a Class B drug (cannabis).

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 14, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.

Sergeant Penrose, of Brighton and Hove’s Tactical Enforcement Unit, said:

“This was a significant seizure of an illegal, harmful substance that came about thanks to members of the public reporting their concerns and excellent development by the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“The public are our eyes and ears – they understand what issues are ongoing in their own communities and if they are reported to us, we will investigate and we will put measures in place to help.

“This is a perfect example of grass roots policing, developing information received from the public to promptly solve a problem in our local community.

“As always, the message remains that while the TEU can’t be everywhere, we could be anywhere.

“Please report any concerns or crimes to us online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”