Man admits drugs offences after cannabis farm discovered in Crewe

A man has pleaded guilty to drugs offences following the discovery of a cannabis farm in Crewe.

Tomas Rupeikis, of Pitts Close, Taunton, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 January where he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

The 47-year-old has been remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing at Chester Crown Court on Monday 10 February.

On Saturday 11 January, Cheshire Police were operating a drone over Jubilee Avenue, Crewe, when the thermal imaging camera highlighted a property was giving off more thermal heat compared to the other addresses on the street.

A warrant was granted by magistrates the same day and executed at around 1.20pm.

Officers located approximately 44 cannabis plants being grown on the ground floor of the property and a further 120 plants upstairs. These are believed to be worth between £13,500 and £68,500.

Rupeikis was present inside the address and was subsequently arrested. He was charged the following day.

DC Ben Harrington said:

“This warrant should serve as a reminder of the different resources we have at our disposal to tackle criminal behaviour.

“On this occasion our drone operators were able to spot one address was giving off a considerable amount of thermal heat compared to other properties, which can be a strong indicator of a cannabis grow.

“Thanks to the police drone, our officers were able to remove a considerable amount of cannabis off the streets and Rupeikis has now admitted his involvement.”