Arrest warrant issued for 78-year-old charged over cannabis factory near Stowmarket
78-year-old wanted over cannabis factory charge - Credit: Archant
Police are hunting for a 78-year-old man accused of involvement in a cannabis factory near Stowmarket after he failed to turn up to court.
Derek Robinson, of Bladen Drive, Rushmere St Andrew, was charged last month, along with John Chapman, 45, of Mickfield Road, Stonham Aspal.
They were accused of producing a Class B controlled drug following an inquiry into a raid at Stonham Aspal which yielded more than 100 cannabis plants.
Although they were given bail until there first appearance on the charges, which was scheduled for this week before Bury St Edmunds’ magistrates, both men did not appear.
As a result the court issued warrants for the pair’s arrest.
Chapman, formerly of Cromer Road, Ipswich, is also accused of possessing a Class A drug – MDMA, better known as ecstasy.
Early last month a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary confirmed Robinson and Chapman had been charged after answering their bails.
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Four people were originally arrested and taken into custody by police. They were questioned at Bury St Edmunds police station before being released on bail, pending further enquiries.
Officers carried out raid at a business unit in Stonham Aspal at around 10am on July 29 last year.
In addition to the cannabis plants police also found hydroponic equipment at the premises which was being used to help them grow.
The two other people who were detained at the time were a 40-year-old man from Bramford and a 21-year-old woman from the Stowmarket area.
Both were arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis.
Police have confirmed that following further enquiries no further action will be taken against either of the pair.
