Cannabis grower stole from power network

Maciek Makulskj (32) of Newton Street, East Dene, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Friday and was locked up for two years.

The court heard police had executed a warrant at Mr Makulskj’s property in April as intelligence had led them to believe it was not being used for legitimate purposes.

They found five rooms filled with cannabis plants, plant cutting and cultivation equipment.

A ground floor room was being used for living purposes with clothing, food and personal items belonging to Makulskj found, the court was told.

When he appeared before the court, Makulskj admitted two counts of cannabis production, one of illegally extracting electricity and one of possessing an offensive weapon which could discharge a noxious liquid.

The warrant under which he was arrested was part of the on-going work under Operation Grow, which aims to disrupt and crackdown on the cultivation of cannabis.

Officers said the operation had now seen officers execute 109 warrants and seize over 15,000 cannabis plants with a street value of £15 million.

PC Liam Morris from the Rotherham Central Neighbourhood Policing Team and Operation Grow said: “We are dedicated to disrupting those who grow and supply our communities with drugs.

“Cannabis is linked to the exploitation of vulnerable people, and the money obtained from producing and selling cannabis funds organised crime in our communities.

“We are continuing to crackdown on those involved and will bring them before the courts.

“If you believe a property is being used to grow cannabis, or have any information around properties or people please report it via the online reporting function on the SYP website, or by calling 101.”