Seven to appear at court after drugs bust

A number of warrants were executed in East Dene yesterday and a quantity of cannabis was seized.

The following people have been reported on summons for the production of cannabis:

Thomas Snodin (40) and Joanne Snodin (43) both of Haywood Close, Rotherham, Adam Cawthorne (32) of Herringthorpe Valley Road, Paul Smith (31), of Woodgrove Road, Christopher Mace (40) of Ridgeway, Dean Senior (46) of Mallory Road and Matthew Kelsey (35) of Herringthorpe Valley Road.

All seven will appear in court at a later date.

A 40-year-old man was also cautioned for possession of cannabis.

Supt Scott Green said: “Drugs blight communities and we will continue to target those responsible for the production and supply of all classes of drugs.

“This operation was a direct response to intelligence from the members of the public and forms part of our ongoing fight against drugs.

“Not only do we want to protect vulnerable people by reducing the availability of drugs, we want to reduce the impact of drugs misuse and associated offending.

“It’s also important to recognise that there are situations where victims are being exploited through modern day slavery and are being forced into cannabis growing.”

Officers carried out house-to-house visits following the raids to offer reassurance to residents.

Electricity supplies were also checked at properties due to the increased risk of fire posed by cannabis production.

Supt Green added: “Today’s raids are just one example of the relentless work being done by officers in Rotherham to make our communities safer.

“Thank you to all the officers involved in the operation and to the members of the community for their patience during the raids.”

To report any suspicious activity contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.