'Significant dent' in Edlington drugs scene after police seize 600 cannabis plants

Properties at Staveley Street, Victoria Road and Princes Crescent were targeted by Doncaster’s Operation Fortify officers, supported by specialist resources from the serious violent crime task force.

Op Fortify lead Det Insp Steve Smith said: “We have listened to the concerns raised by our communities in Edlington and have taken action to put a significant dent in drug supply and dealing activities in Doncaster.

“Drugs cause serious harm to individuals, their families and the wider public. Those involved in this type of criminality may also have ties to violent and organised crime.

“Organised crime groups involved in drug production are typically involved in a range of criminal activity, and the profits from illegal drugs are used to fund other forms of crime. 

“Crime associated with cannabis cultivation is very often violent, with direct links to the criminal use of firearms, and those behind these operations frequently exploit young and vulnerable people.”

Officers found 55 mature plants and 115 smaller ones in three rooms of a Staveley Street house. Also among the discoveries was another property with about 200 mature plants.

A 20-year-old Doncaster man was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and possession of drugs.

Det Insp Smith added: “Every property had evidence that electricity supply had been bypassed and tampered with, an incredibly dangerous tactic that puts not only the lives of those within that property at risk, but could potentially pose a safety risk to other properties on the street.

“I hope that the Edlington community is reassured by the highly visible, targeted strike action today, and I want the rest of Doncaster to understand that this isn’t a singular event.

“We may have had some success today, but there is always more to do. Wherever we receive information or intelligence about individuals or groups engaging in illegal activity, we will seek to take action.”