Two Men Jailed After £700,000 Cannabis Farm Discovered in Sawtry Industrial Unit
Two men have been jailed after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm worth more than £700,000 in Sawtry Business Park, Cambridgeshire.
The illegal operation was discovered by neighbourhood officers acting on public intelligence. On November 16, 2024, police raided the industrial unit and found 717 cannabis plants and growing equipment spread throughout the premises.
Arrest and Charges
At the scene, officers found two men inside who were described as ‘gardeners’ for the illegal grow:
- Van Tran, 35, of no fixed address, was identified as a “professional gardener” involved in repeated cannabis harvests across multiple locations. He was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.
- Thieu Nguyen, 31, also of no fixed address, received a sentence of 21 months.
Both men pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis at Huntingdon Crown Court on Friday, 13 June 2025.
Cannabis Operation Worth Over £700,000
Police confirmed that the 717 plants had a combined estimated street value of more than £700,000. The operation was believed to be part of a sophisticated criminal network utilising industrial units in rural areas for large-scale drug production.
Police Statement
A spokesperson from Cambridgeshire Police said:
“This result is a testament to the importance of public information and the swift work of our neighbourhood officers. These kinds of grows are not victimless crimes — they fuel organised crime, exploit vulnerable people, and often involve dangerous wiring and fire risks.”
Community Appeal
Cambridgeshire Police are encouraging residents and business owners to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, especially in industrial or commercial units that appear to be operating irregularly.
Suspicious signs may include:
- Covered or blacked-out windows
- Excessive heat or condensation
- Frequent comings and goings at unusual hours
- Strong smells of cannabis or electrical humming noises
Reports can be made by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
