Smell of cannabis prompts police raid in Blacon, Chester

Sep 24 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

HOUSING Trust staff tipped off police after smelling a strong cannabis odour coming from a flat above their office.

Police raided two flats above the Chester & District Housing Trust office at The Parade in Blacon.

In one flat police found signs of heroin use but there was insufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution.

But in the next door flat were plants, high powered lamps, fertiliser and documentation explaining how to grow cannabis. Lewis Welsh, 32, has now been charged with cultivating cannabis.

Since August 10, police have carried out 32 warrants in Chester as part of Operation Imp, seizing heroin, cannabis, amphetamine and stolen property.

Det Sgt Steve Birkett, who is heading up the crack-down, said: “This operation illustrates our commitment to tackling drug use and burglary in Chester. These crimes will not be tolerated and this operation will continue to target those individuals who continue to bring drugs into our communities and commit crimes.

“Operations like this rely on information from the community and I would encourage people who have information about drug use or crime in their area to come forward.”

A 45-year-old man was arrested during a warrant on Hoole Lane on September 7 on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. Cash was also seized from the house.

On Monday last week a police raid uncovered heroin at an address in Wyndham Road, Blacon. A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing heroin with intent to supply and released on bail pending further enquiries.

To contact the Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing team, call 0845 458 6375 or email chester.outer@cheshire.pnn.police.uk