Three arrested after Ascham Homes officer discovers cannabis factory

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

Officers from Ascham Homes and the police have closed down a suspected cannabis factory and confiscated large quantities of the drug and cash from a house in Walthamstow.

Ascham Homes’ Neighbourhood Officer investigated and alerted police to his suspicions of cannabis being grown at the premises following complaints from a resident about frequent noisy visitors and the smell of cannabis from a neighbouring property.

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Tasking Unit, Forest and Lea Bridge Safer Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act and ‘Operation Hawk’, having found the large-scale production of the illegal Class B drug.

A 19-year-old man and another male believed to be aged 25 have been arrested for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Another man, aged 37, was also arrested and transferred to an immigration detention centre.

Ian Cartmell, Ascham Homes’ Neighbourhood Services Manager for the Central Team, said: "This investigation and our action demonstrate our commitment to tackling crime and anti social behaviour in the borough, achieved through effective partnership working between Ascham Homes and the local police.”

Ascham Homes is an ALMO managing council homes in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Earlier this year it signed a new 10-year management agreement.

As part of the agrrement, the council has transferred more services to Ascham Homes including responsibility for homeless services, housing advice and allocations as well as the management of sheltered housing and hostels.