Dramatic footage shows man hiding in a loft after police cut way into house in Sherwood

Arnold Elezi is brought down and arrested at the scene

This video shows the moment police cut their way into a house in Nottingham and find a cannabis gardener hiding in the loft. The clip first shows using equipment to shear away the front door to gain entry to the property in Sherwood. Once successful, they then enter shouting “police, police” before going upstairs and discovering the grow of 121 plants inside it.

The video then shows them climb a ladder into the loft where they find 29-year-old Arnold Elezi, bring him down, handcuff him and arrest him. Inspector Paul Ferguson, neighbourhood inspector for the city north area, said: “People may think the cultivation of cannabis is a victimless crime, but what they don’t realise is those at the top of the criminal chain make very large sums of money from producing and distributing the drug, while often exploiting vulnerable people at the same time.

“Tackling and preventing drug harm remains a policing priority for us in the city north area and this successful warrant highlights why it’s so important people report any suspicions they have around drug activity to the police.”

The raid happened a around 9am on September 19 after officers received information the property, in Rushcliffe Rise, was being used to grow large amounts of cannabis. One of the bedrooms was found to contain 121 plants, while other areas of the house had been converted into cannabis growing areas.

Elezi, of no fixed address, was found trying to hide in the loft and was arrested. All the cannabis was removed, while the growing equipment was also seized and put out of use. Elezi, of no fixed address, went on to plead guilty to cultivating cannabis and he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, October 11 and was handed a two-year prison sentence.

Insp Ferguson said: “This is a prime example of how our police teams are working together to take positive action against concerns, such as drug crime, which adversely affect our communities. As a result of us being made aware of these suspicions, we were able to act and shut down this household cannabis farm before it caused any more harm.

“We’re absolutely committed to doing everything we can to root out drug operations like this from our community and put the people behind them before the courts.

“I want to reassure residents we will continue to act on information to disrupt those involved in drug crime and do everything in our power to bring them to justice.”