Brighton man jailed after £36,000 of cannabis seized
Albert Frani has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison
A am from Brighton has been jailed after being found with around £36,000-worth of cannabis that had grown in his house.
Officers from Brighton and Hove's Neighbourhood Policing Team investigated the Rushlake Road area after concerns were raised by members of the public.
As officers approached Albert Frani's front door, they could hear the sound of fans whirring and a strong smell of cannabis.
A thermal imaging camera used by a PCSO also detected an unusual amount of heat coming from inside.
A search of the property found four rooms filled with cannabis cultivation equipment and signs that dozens of plants had recently been harvested.
Two large bags filled with herbal cannabis were also found, with a value estimated to be up to £36,000.
Frani, 27, of Rushlake Road in Brighton, was arrested and charged with being concerned in the production of a Class B drug.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 14, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.
Sergeant Penrose, of Brighton and Hove’s Tactical Enforcement Unit, said: “This was a significant seizure of an illegal, harmful substance that came about thanks to members of the public reporting their concerns and excellent development by the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
“The public are our eyes and ears – they understand what issues are ongoing in their own communities and if they are reported to us, we will investigate and we will put measures in place to help.
“This is a perfect example of grass roots policing, developing information received from the public to promptly solve a problem in our local community.
“As always, the message remains that while the TEU can’t be everywhere, we could be anywhere.
“Please report any concerns or crimes to us online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”