A MAN has been cautioned for growing 23 cannabis plants in his flat.

Police raided the property in Dale Close, Stanway, on Tuesday.

One neighbour said: “The police arrived and raided the property before taking this man away.

“We saw a lot of police and they came out with black bags with lots of plants in them.

“I was not surprised they found so many plants – there had been one hell of a smell coming from there.

“I was happy to see the police and we need to see this type of action.

“The smell was just awful and it was obvious what he was doing so I am glad something happened although he had already been released.”

A spokesman for the police said: “A man has been cautioned for producing cannabis following a warrant, which was executed at a property in Dale Close. A 47- year-old man was arrested and 23 plants which are believed to be cannabis were seized.”

A former detective chief inspector and head of the drugs squad admitted he was surprised at the decision to issue the culprit with a caution, rather than charge him.

Terry Gardiner, an expert in drug policy who led many raids himself while based in Colchester, said: “Times have clearly moved on.

“I would not have thought in my day it would have been a caution.

“It is only my opinion but there does seem to have been a softening in relation to cannabis.

“It is still an illegal drug.”

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DALE Close, Stanway is in the Witham parliamentary constituency.

We asked each of the candidates standing election : Do you agree with the decision by police do give a caution to a man who has produced 23 cannabis plants in a flat?

And do you think cannabis should be legalised?


James Abbott, Green Party - “Our position is clear. We would decriminalise personal use of cannabis for
small amounts.

"Dealing is different.

“A lot of people, including some senior officers, think it is the way to go.

"Given resources are getting ever scarcer and we could become a response force only, do we want
officer time spent on prosecuting small personal use or catching violent criminals, rapists and repeat
burglars?

“We need to look at drug use on health rather than criminal grounds.

“It is up to the police whether a caution was appropriate or not in this case but drug dealing we are against.

“We need to have a clear discussion about drugs.”

Garry Cockrill, Ukip - “I would not consider a caution to be sufficient for growing 23 plants.

“It is Ukip policy to be firm.

“We would not be looking to legalise cannabis.

“We would leave it alone.”

John Clarke, Labour - “Police cautioned him for something illegal and we support law and order.

“He committed a crime. I trust the police to decide whether a caution is appropriate.

“We do not support the legalisation of cannabis, but we do need to review it and the criminalisation of drugs using a scientific base and an evidence base.

“I have no fixed opinion personally on drugs. I partake in alcohol and caffeine.

“We have them, it is a fact of life.

“I am open to a debate.”

Jo Hayes, Lib Dem - “I do not wish to express an opinion on whether a caution was appropriate.

"It depends on the circumstances."

 

“My party is in favour of an evidence-based drug policy that works.

“I think rather than criminalise, it should be treated as an illness.

“I am not sure if I am in favour of legalising.

"I would have to look at the evidence on harm.”