Man charged after large cannabis farm found following explosion in Leeds

A man has been charged after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm following an explosion in Leeds.
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The gas explosion happened near the Londis store at the junction of Wetherby Road and Kingsmead Drive, Wellington Hill, at 2.20pm on Tuesday.

A fire had been started among some rubbish next to the parade of shops and had caused a gas canister to explode, damaging nearby properties.

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Residents likened the sound of the bang to an 'earthquake' and a family's kitchen was destroyed in the explosion.

A man has been charged after a large-scale cannabis grow was found following the explosion on Wetherby RoadA man has been charged after a large-scale cannabis grow was found following the explosion on Wetherby Road
A man has been charged after a large-scale cannabis grow was found following the explosion on Wetherby Road

While checking the scene, police officers discovered a cannabis farm containing more than 200 plants and growing equipment in a flat within the building.

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Andi Mokra, aged 26, of Wetherby Road, was arrested at the scene.

He has been charged with production of cannabis and abstracting electricity and is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning.

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Detectives from Leeds District CID are continuing enquiries into the fire and explosion, which is being treated as arson.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200211487 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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