Council tenant evicted after cannabis factory worth £25k found at house
A council tenant who allowed cannabis worth more than £25,000 to be grown in his home has been evicted.
Craig Williams, aged 33, breached his tenancy conditions by allowing the drug to be cultivated at the house in Collins Street, West Bromwich.
He was convicted last year by the criminal courts for permitting production or attempted production of cannabis at the property.
Police found 63 cannabis plants worth an estimated £25,700 at his Greets Green home.
Following the conviction, Sandwell Council was able to take Williams to Birmingham County Court in May to successfully evict him.
The county court issued a possession order forcing Williams to hand back the keys.
The court also ordered him to pay the council court costs of £3,237.
Sandwell Council said officials will now seek to let the property to a new tenant.
Council cabinet member, Councillor Joanne Hadley, said: “It was important to take this action because it was a serious breach of the tenancy.
“We will not tolerate drugs being grown in council homes.
"Growing cannabis is a crime, poses a serious fire risk and can harm people’s physical and mental health.”
Fellow cabinet member, Councillor Maria Crompton, added: “Evictions like these help to protect residents and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods.
“I would like to thank the council’s anti-social behaviour and legal teams for securing this successful eviction and the police for their support too.”
