A man has been charged after police discovered a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation at a property in the centre of Kirkby Stephen, Eden, with the plants estimated to be worth around £450,000.
Warrant executed in Market Square
Officers from Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team and Westmorland and Furness Community and Serious Organised Crime (CSOC) unit carried out a warrant at an address in Market Square on Tuesday 1 July.
Searches of the property uncovered a cannabis farm inside the premises. Police said the plants recovered were valued at approximately £450,000.
Suspect charged and due in court
Agim Cjapi, 32, of Market Street, Kirkby Stephen, has been charged with producing a controlled Class B drug.
He was due to appear before South Cumbria Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 2 July.
Operation Alliance
The seizure and subsequent investigation form part of Operation Alliance, Cumbria Constabulary's ongoing programme targeting serious and organised crime across the county.
Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team said further details would be released as the investigation continues.
Reporting suspected drug activity
Police urged anyone with information about drug-related activity in their area to contact officers on 101, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.
Cannabis cultivation without a Home Office licence remains illegal in the UK. Penalties for production offences can include substantial prison sentences depending on the scale of the operation.
Reporting based on statements from Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team, Cumbria Constabulary.
