Garden gnome firm uncovered as secret cannabis factory
A garden gnome business used to disguise a secret cannabis factory has been uncovered in North Wales.
A garden gnome business used to disguise a secret cannabis factory has been uncovered in North Wales.
Jason Lee, 42, was handed a two-year jail sentence this week after his 'sophisticated' operation was discovered by police.
Suspicions were raised when Lee's £70,000 electricity bill was accidentally sent to Flintshire Council, the property's owner.
Council officials were already concerned over the additional CCTV and security lighting Lee had installed in and around the rented property.
Lee pleaded guilty to growing skunk cannabis - with a potential street value of £98,500 - that was found by police following a raid on the garden ornaments business.
John Jenkins QC said the operation 'was designed to make a lot of money by the sale of skunk on the streets'.
PC Anthony Butlin of North Wales police added: 'This sends out a clear message to those who are involved in the production of cannabis that North Wales police and the courts will take a strong stance and offenders will have plenty of time to contemplate their actions from behind bars.'
Lee said he regretted his decision to start growing drugs with intent to supply after running into financial difficulties.
S
Soft Secrets
