Man appears in court after drug raid in Markyate nets over 300 cannabis plants
Cannabis plants were seized from a property in Markyate - Credit: Photo supplied
Police have seized more than 300 cannabis plants, worth over £100,000, from three rooms in a raid upon a home in Markyate.
Members of the public had reported concerns about the property, which prompted an investigation by officers in the village, near Harpenden.
Heat sensing equipment owned by Herts Fire and Rescue was also used to help establish that there had been unusual activity going on inside the address.
As a result of these and other investigations, Herts Police conducted a warrant on a home in The Close during the evening of Tuesday, April 12.
Sergeant Dave Perkins, from the force’s Operational Support Group (OSG), said that during the raid officers found three rooms containing the plants, with an estimated potential value of more than £100,000, and hydroponics equipment set up for cultivating the plants indoors.
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He added: “This was an excellent operation that showed how members of the public can make a difference by reporting their concerns about an address.
“We need the public to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicions they have in order to help us stop the illegal cultivation of cannabis in Hertfordshire.
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“It also shows that police will respond quickly to information received about criminal activity and act swiftly to tackle the issue.”
The OSG is continuing its investigation following the raid.
• Jalek Malicki, 51, of The Close, Markyate, has been charged with cultivating cannabis. He appeared before St Albans Magistrates’ Court on April 13 and pleaded guilty. The hearing was adjourned for sentencing later this month.
• Anyone who has suspicions about a property is urged to contact Herts Police via the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.
