Virtual Lancaster

Two Vietnamese nationals who cultivated a cannabis factory worth almost £400,000 have been jailed for a total of four years.

Officers discovered the 1,000-plant factory in a property on Alexandra Road, in Morecambe’s West End, on Monday 29th August following a report of a break-in at the address.

Canh Le

A number of discarded cannabis plants were found outside the premises and an operational support unit was then called upon to gain entry to the building. Inside, officers discovered a large-scale sophisticated cannabis production set-up on all five floors of the house, with in excess of 1,000 plants at various stages of growth or harvest. The plants had an estimated street value of around £400,000.

Dung Pham

Dung Pham, 28, and Canh Le, 21, of no fixed abode, were arrested and charged with producing a class B drug. Appearing at Preston Crown Court today (Friday 25th November) both were jailed for two years.

“This was a significant seizure of cannabis plants from a very organised and sophisticated production system,” noted Detective Sergeant Simon Dent from Lancaster CID. “The seizure of these plants, along with equipment being used to grow them, has ultimately prevented a large amount of drugs from reaching our streets.

“We know that cannabis usage has a number of knock-on effects which cause problems for out communities,” he added, “crimes such as burglary, car crime and robbery are often committed to fund a drug habit.

“We are committed to tackling those who produce and sell drugs and the sentences given to these two offenders reflect our dedication to removing drugs from our neighbourhoods.”