Members of a sophisticated drugs gang who used thermal imaging drones, hidden cameras and vehicle trackers to target rival criminals have been jailed for more than 60 years after police uncovered a major cannabis operation in Colwick.
The organised crime group, led by 24-year-old Mitchell Edge, combined high-tech surveillance with large-scale cannabis production, operating what detectives described as a professional criminal enterprise from Nottingham.
While the gang carried out a string of burglaries against rival cannabis growers across Nottinghamshire and beyond, officers uncovered one of their biggest operations at an industrial-scale cannabis farm in Colwick.
The Colwick grow was by far the largest linked to the group, with officers seizing 1,768 cannabis plants with an estimated wholesale value of almost £1.5 million. Investigators believe the site may have been operating for around a year.
The gang also ran additional grows in Clifton and Luton, but the Colwick operation stood out for its scale and potential profitability.
An investigation by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) revealed the group used thermal imaging drones to identify rival cannabis farms, positioned covert cameras to monitor targets and attached tracking devices to vehicles before carrying out raids.
The offenders would often spend weeks conducting surveillance before breaking into properties wearing balaclavas and armed with weapons including machetes, knives and baseball bats.
Edge was identified as the central figure within the operation, co-ordinating burglaries, overseeing cannabis production, arranging wholesale supply and controlling the movement of money generated through the criminal enterprise.
Detectives built their case using mobile phone data, financial records and journey analysis. A crucial breakthrough came after officers seized Edge’s iPhone, which contained burglary plans, videos, messages, financial records and evidence linking him to almost every member of the group.
Financial investigators also uncovered significant unexplained wealth among several gang members, despite limited or no declared employment.
Ten members of the group received prison sentences totalling more than 60 years at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, with Edge jailed for 11 years and three months.
DI Claire Bibby, who led the investigation, said: “This was a long-running, organised and professional criminal enterprise operating nationally from Nottingham.
“The group were prolific in their offending and stole cannabis from rival grows while running their own large-scale cannabis production and distribution network. It was a very sophisticated set-up with the potential to generate millions of pounds.”
She added: “The threat and risk posed by Edge and his associates was significant. The offenders would raid properties armed with weapons, creating a high-risk situation and the potential for serious harm.
“I’m glad the judge has seen the severity of this offending and has jailed the group for as long as he has. Working with Nottinghamshire Police, we will stop at nothing to dismantle these organised crime groups.”
Key fact: The largest cannabis farm uncovered during the investigation was located in Colwick, where nearly 1,800 plants worth almost £1.5 million were seized by officers.
