A man has admitted running a cannabis farm from a house in Crewe after a police drone uncovered the drug factory.
Tomas Rupeikis, of Pitts Close, Taunton, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 January where he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a class B drug.
The 47-year-old has been remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing at Chester Crown Court on Monday 10 February.
On Saturday 11 January, Cheshire Police were operating a drone over Jubilee Avenue, Crewe, when the thermal imaging camera highlighted a property was giving off more thermal heat compared to the other addresses on the street.
A warrant was granted by magistrates the same day and executed at around 1.20pm.
Officers located approximately 44 cannabis plants being grown on the ground floor of the property and a further 120 plants upstairs. These are believed to be worth between £13,500 and £68,500.
Rupeikis was present inside the address and was subsequently arrested. He was charged the following day.
DC Ben Harrington said: “This warrant should serve as a reminder of the different resources we have at our disposal to tackle criminal behaviour.
“On this occasion our drone operators were able to spot one address was giving off a considerable amount of thermal heat compared to other properties, which can be a strong indicator of a cannabis grow.
“Thanks to the police drone, our officers were able to remove a considerable amount of cannabis off the streets and Rupeikis has now admitted his involvement.”