Man charged after cannabis grow found in Clowne

A man has been charged with alleged drugs production after a cannabis grow was found at a house in Clowne.

Officers were contacted by colleagues from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue following reports of a potential fire at a house in Rhodes Cottages in the early hours of Saturday 11 June.

At the scene firefighters noticed the strong smell of cannabis and immediately contacted the force.

Entry was forced to the house and inside a cannabis grow was found - but no signs of a fire.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was subsequently charged with production of cannabis.

Osman Alstafa, of no-fixed-abode, was remanded to police custody to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court today (13 June).

Cannabis grows pose a serious risk, particularly when residential properties are used, with electricity sources often bypassed in an illegal and dangerous manner, with serious fires caused as a result.

There are a number of signs that may indicate that cannabis may be being grown in your area. These include:

• Are the curtains permanently closed or windows covered?
• Is there a loud or distinctive sound of fans whirring?
• Are there a large number of food deliveries being made to the property?
• Have you never seen those living inside the address?
• Is there a distinct smell of cannabis from the property?

If you believe a cannabis grow may be in your area then you can contact the force, in confidence, using any of the below methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.