£100k worth of cannabis seized in raid

Police raided a property in The Close, Markyate on the evening of Tuesday, April 12 after acting on information from members of the public.

Officers discovered plants in three rooms of the property along with hydroponics equipment set up for cultivating the plants indoors.

As a result Jalek Malicki, 51, of The Close, Markyate, was arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis.

He pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 13 and the hearing was adjourned for sentencing later this month.

The arrest came after the Safer Neighbourhood Team’s PC Brian Evans and PCSO Rowen Sheppard, along with Special Sgt Richard Downs, conducted further intelligence work on the address.

They used heat sensor equipment owned by Herts Fire & Rescue Service and found there was ‘unusual activity’ going on inside the property.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operational Support Group (OSG) then got the green light to raid the address and the investigation is ongoing.

Sgt Dave Perkins, from OSG, said: “This was an excellent operation that showed how members of the public can make a difference by reporting their concerns about an address.

“We need the public to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicions they have in order to help us stop the illegal cultivation of cannabis in Hertfordshire.

“It also shows that police will respond quickly to information received about criminal activity and act swiftly to tackle the issue.”

Anyone with suspicions about a property should call Herts Police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.