Man jailed after 6,000 cannabis plants discovered in Colchester
Police think the drugs have a street value of over a million pounds
Last updated 22nd Feb 2022
A man has been jailed for more than three years after around 6,000 cannabis plants were found in an industrial unit in Colchester.
Police made the discovery by chance in Hythe Station Road on April 19 2021, uncovering a significant cannabis growing operation.
The grow was football pitch sized, split into 13 makeshift rooms. In total 6,535 plants were discovered with a street value of between £2.4m and £3.6m.
26 year old Rition Mone, of Hythe Station Road, was arrested and charged with producing a controlled drug.
He appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on February 15, admitting the charge. He was handed three years and two months in prison.
Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, of Essex Police, said:
“This is an example of excellent police work which led to the discovery of a very significant cannabis cultivation.
“As a result of the excellent work, officers were very quickly able to apprehend Mone, charge him and put him before the court.
“The trade in illegal drugs, no matter what class they are in, is inextricably linked to violence and the proceeds from drugs funds more criminal activity which leads to fear and misery for individuals and communities.
“Stopping the people behind the growth and sale of cannabis is vital in tackling violent crime and helps keep our community safe.”