Underground cannabis farm discovered in Lincolnshire

Two men have been sentenced for their part in an underground bunker which was being used to grow cannabis.

Officers raided the farm at Skendleby to discover 12 underground containers. They seized £580,000 worth of cannabis plants, 300 tonnes of illegal waste, 22 horses, six stolen cars, and a llama.

The farm raid was executed following intelligence from La Guardia Civil in Spain, unearthing four bunkers which had been concealed by trapdoors in barns on site.

Around 60 part-dismantled vehicles were also found as well as used asbestos roofing, and evidence that some waste was being burned illegally.

Three men were arrested for producing a Class B drug, burglary with intent to steal and animal welfare offences.

Nathan Allen had been living in a caravan on-site when he was arrested, and was found to be in possession of a firearm.

Det Supt Rick Hatton of Lincolnshire Police said at the time: "We are extremely grateful to our counterparts in Spain and our partners for assisting with the exploration of this site.

"With the operation being underground we have needed some real specialist support to uncover this activity."

Allen, 39, previously of Crowhurst, Peterborough, appeared in court via videolink for charges including conspiracy to supply class B drugs and firearm possession and was given two years in prison, suspended for two years.

Kyle Robinson, 33, of Willoughby Road, Alford, received a one-year sentence, also suspended for two years for conspiracy to produce class B drugs.

Tony Owen, 36, of Oldbrook Bretton, Peterborough, is also charged and will appear in court next month for sentencing.

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