Officers used a thermal imaging camera to determine that the property, in Firemans Row, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was significantly hotter than neighbouring houses.
After further investigation, they noticed a man acting suspiciously inside, and various items associated with cannabis cultivation outside.
After forcing entry to the address on the evening of 23 February this year, the source of the excess heat was immediately clear – more than 400 cannabis plans growling in multiple rooms in the semi-detached property.
Dori Sado, aged 38, was found hiding in the loft and was arrested at the scene.
Sado, formerly of Firemans Row, Sutton-in-Ashfield, later pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (May 31) he was jailed for 12 months.
A closure order was secured on the address to prevent anyone else from occupying it for at least three months.
