Police raid on Sheffield shisha bar uncovers cannabis haul and 13 in breach of covid rules

Officers from Sheffield’s City Centre NPT and Sheffield City Council carried out the environmental health warrant on Friday night (8 January), finding 13 people on the premises.

Each individual was handed a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for £200 for breaching COVID-19 regulations by way of an unlawful gathering.

The proprietors of the shisha bar, who were handed a £2000 fine in November, were issued with a FPN for £4000 for operating a business in breach of COVID-19 regulations.

Thirty-five shisha pipes were also seized during the warrant, as well as between 100-150 cannabis plants. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Man arrested and 14 people get covid penalties after police find suspected cannabis farm in Sheffield

Superintendent Mark James from Sheffield’s command team said: “This premises has been the subject of repeated concerns within the community, who first reported breaches to us in November last year.

“We know that for the general public and the vast majority of our communities who have made considerable sacrifice to abide by the rules, instances like this cause a lot of frustration. I hope the public are reassured by the swift action taken to address these breaches – we take this incredibly seriously.

He added: “These restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives. To disregard this and put peoples’ lives at risk is unacceptable.”

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