A CANNABIS farmer operating a grow worth £450,000 in Warrington has been jailed.

Francesco Vrapi appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing yesterday, Monday, after pleading guilty to cannabis cultivation and abstracting electricity.

Cheshire Police conducted a warrant at Vrapi’s home address on Ludlow Close in Padgate at around 8.45am on Tuesday, June 4, after receiving intelligence.

Upon entering the property, officers discovered a ‘large’ cannabis farm consisting of 458 cannabis plants.

The 31-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken in for questioning.

Despite giving ‘no comment’ answers in his police interview, further evidence was gathered and he was later charged in connection with the cannabis farm.

Following analysis, the drugs seized were priced at an estimated value of £450,000.

Appearing before the crown court, Vrapi was sentenced to six months in prison.

He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge, with a judge imposing a destruction order for the drugs seized.

The sentence was welcomed by PC Jen Harrison, who said: “Vrapi was running a professional cannabis farm.

"This was not simply just a few cannabis plants. The whole building had been fitted out with thousands of pounds worth of equipment to maximise the potential yield.

“Thankfully, we were able to seize all of these plants and prevent them from being sold on the streets of Warrington, and Vrapi is now being held accountable for his actions behind bars.

“While this site has now been closed, and all of the equipment destroyed, we urge residents to remain vigilant.

"Anyone who suspects this activity is happening near them should come forward and tell us about it.”

Cheshire Police has provided information for the public on signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm.

These include a strong and sickly-sweet smell, equipment being taken into a property such as lighting and ventilation equipment, and constantly covered or blocked-off windows.

Other factors could include people coming and going at all hours, neighbours you never see, strong and constant lighting, day and night, and high levels of heat and condensation.

A constant buzz of ventilation and lots of power cables could also indicate the presence of a cannabis farm.

To report a suspected cannabis farm, or any other type of drug-related offence, call Cheshire Police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit cheshire.police.uk