Large cannabis haul at disused pub

More than a million pounds worth of cannabis has been recovered from a disused pub.

Officers executed a warrant at the Town Mill, in Bridge Street, Mansfield, shortly before 5pm on Friday and found more than 2,000 plants in multiple rooms of the former mill.

The plants, which were at various states of gestation, had a potential street value of more than £1million.

A suspect was detained a short time later near St Peter and St Paul Church.

The plants have now been taken away an all associated growing equipment put beyond use.

Emergency work on the building's electrical system was also required.

Fatmir Khculi, aged 28, has been charged with cultivating cannabis.

Khculi, of Bridge Street, Mansfield, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 September and was remanded into custody.

He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 22 October.

Inspector Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield, said:

“We had reason to believe this site was being used for illegal purposes and our suspicions were confirmed when we gained entry.

“This historic Grade 2 listed building is well known to generations of people in Mansfield and was placed at a significant risk by the illegal activities inside.

“So as well as being pleased at the very large quantity of illegal drugs we recovered, and I am also pleased we have been able to protect this local landmark from further harm.”

The Grade 2 listed Mill dates back to the mid-Nineteenth Century when its water-powered milling gear produced flour for the town’s bakers.

It was later used for textile production and later as a public house.