Massive Cannabis Farm Busted in Nottingham
Police have smashed a huge cannabis operation after a tip-off about a suspicious van outside an empty property in Bethlehem Street, Nottingham. Three men, including two drifters and a local landlord, have admitted to growing and dealing drugs — plus weapons offences rocked the case.
Gang Members Caught Red-Handed
- Evaldas Medelis, 29, and Laminonas Navickas, 23, both homeless, pleaded guilty to cannabis production.
- Karolis Rusevicius, 27, from Mapperley Plains, Nottingham, was found guilty after a four-day trial of multiple crimes including cannabis production, intent to supply, possession of a firearm, and criminal property.
Police Uncover Secret Growing Den
Officers found 80 cannabis plants in an abandoned van that had been reported stolen and tracked down shortly after. The subsequent raid on the Bethlehem Street building revealed a cunning, large-scale grow operation with hundreds of plants over 3ft tall, advanced lighting, watering systems, and illegal electricity bypassing.
A hidden hatch led into the kitchen of the neighbouring flat, where the growers had been living undetected. Forensic clues eventually linked Rusevicius, who lived comfortably in a £600,000 Nottinghamshire home, to the illicit set-up.
Cash, Guns, and Cannabis Seized
Rusevicius was caught counting £20,000 in cold cash during the arrest. Police also found a handgun, live ammo, and two huge vacuum bags filled with cannabis at his property.
“We come to work every day to keep people safe and targeting organised criminals like this gang is a big part of that,” said Detective Constable Philip Jacobs, who led the investigation.
“This was one of the largest and most sophisticated operations I’ve ever seen. We’ve stopped them pocketing more than half a million pounds and taken a dangerous gun off the streets.”
“This case shows how vital it is for the public to report suspicious activity. This whole investigation started with a simple call about a dodgy van.”
Police urge anyone with crime concerns to get in touch — every tip helps crack down on organised crime in Nottinghamshire.
