Relief in Marl Pit as police raid Norwich cannabis home

Officers stormed a home in Knowland Grove, in the Marl Pit estate, at 6.45am on Wednesday and found 67 large cannabis plants growing.

The drug factory also had lighting, electrical and ventilation equipment for the mature cannabis plants, leading to a 42-year-old man pleading guilty to producing a controlled class B drug in court.

A total of 67 cannabis plants have been seized at the property according to police (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

George Morton was coming home with his partner when they saw the drama unfold.

"It looked like a scene from a CSI show," he said.

"There were people in their white forensic suits and police outside, as well as two police vans and a car outside.

"It seems to be getting really bad here, especially in the last year or two."

Salman Karim said the issues in the area are a growing concern (Image: Newsquest)

Salman Karim, who has lived in Knowland Grove for 10 years, said: "We had police come around and speak to me about what was happening.

"It's kind of surprising that something like this has happened here specifically, however the area is getting worse.

"I feel less safe than say five years ago and it's a growing concern.

The raid happened in Knowland Grove in the Marl Pit estate (Image: Newsquest)

"You can usually smell marijuana almost every hour when you step outside the house from the nearby flats."

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Anthony and Jennifer Kerton have lived in the area for 56 years and say: "There's been a lot of drug issues around the estate - for years now - especially the flats a bit further away.

Anthony and Jennifer Kerton said there's been a lot of drug issues around the estate for years (Image: Newsquest)

"You hear stories such as this quite a lot around the neighbourhood.

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"It seems to be happening city-wide and is a much larger issue than just in this estate."

The police raid happened around 6.45am on Wednesday (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Klodian Maci was arrested at the scene and taken to Wymondham Police Station for questioning.

He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to producing a controlled class B drug. He is scheduled to appear at Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on December 25, 2024.

Klodian Maci, 42, of Knowland Grove was charged with producing a controlled class B drug (Image: Newsquest)