Paul Kuznecovs, a Northampton nightclub owner, had to flee from his own club after discovering a cannabis farm set up by criminals during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mr. Kuznecovs only stopped by his Aura cocktail bar on Gold Street Friday, April 24th to take pictures for his insurers.
However, upon entering the property’s basement facility he discovered ventilation ducts, heat lamps, and row upon row of cannabis plants growing on tarpaulin sheets.
Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, Mr. Kuznecovs said, “The first thing I noticed when I went down the stairs was how hot it was. I thought, ‘what's going on?' And then, all of a sudden, there it was.
“I was stunned. I stopped to take a picture – before I realised there might still be people down there with me. I just turned and ran away.
“Criminal gangs are dangerous people and I was frightened. I ran out and called the police immediately.”
Paul had last checked the property at the beginning of the lockdown in March and everything was fine. This has led him to believe that the gang were using the quiet of the lockdown to break into the pub and set up their cannabis farm.
He’s now concerned that other businesses on lockdown may fall prey to other drug operations.
Northampton Police are investigating the cannabis farm but as yet have made no arrests.
