Concern over number of Albanian nationals found in Sheffield drug dens

The Sheffield North West neighbourhood police team raised concerns after an Albanian man fled from a house in Hillsborough when officers called at the property and found 70 cannabis plants inside.

When the man was located it was established that he was also wanted in connection with the cultivation of cannabis in London.

He was charged with cannabis production and remanded in custody.

In a statement, the police team said: “We will be looking at this chap’s immigration status, and working with immigration to see if he might want a free flight.

“We can’t help but notice that many of the people we’ve found inside cannabis grows recently are of Albanian origin.

“Sometimes people question why we would refer to someone’s background in a post like this. The reason is that there appears to be a group or organised criminals originating from the West Balkans who are responsible for many of the cannabis factories that we are finding, and they are putting people’s lives in danger by bypassing the meter and getting their electricity that you are paying for directly from the grid.

“If you happen to see any workmen digging in to the ground in front of an address, and they aren’t in full YEDL uniforms and don’t appear to have the right marked van or barriers it is worth giving us a call, it could well be someone abstracting electricity from the grid to power their drug factory.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.