Man Jailed After Cannabis Factory Discovered in Hove

A man has been jailed after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis factory operating from a residential property in Wish Road, Hove, East Sussex. Officers from Sussex Police executed a warrant at the address on 13 August 2025 after concerns were raised about suspicious activity linked to the property. When officers forced entry, they discovered that […]

A man has been jailed after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis factory operating from a residential property in Wish Road, Hove, East Sussex.

Officers from Sussex Police executed a warrant at the address on 13 August 2025 after concerns were raised about suspicious activity linked to the property. When officers forced entry, they discovered that almost every room inside the house had been converted into a sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup.

In total, police located and seized 437 live cannabis plants in various stages of growth, along with approximately 5kg of harvested cannabis. The property had been extensively adapted to support the illegal operation, including lighting, ventilation and irrigation systems designed to maximise production.

Investigations also revealed that the electricity supply to the house had been illegally bypassed. The dangerous modification posed a significant fire risk, not only to the property itself but also to neighbouring homes and residents. Such tampering with mains electricity is commonly associated with cannabis factories and presents serious safety hazards.

During a search of the address, officers located a man hiding in a plastic-lined loft space. He was arrested at the scene. The man initially provided police with a false identity, but he was later identified as Hung Nguyen, 39, of Wish Road, Hove.

Nguyen was charged with being concerned in the production of a Class B drug, being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug, abstracting electricity, and obstructing a constable in the execution of duty.

He first appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 15 August 2025, where he was remanded in custody. The case was subsequently committed to Brighton Crown Court for trial.

The trial began on 11 February 2026. On 13 February 2026, a jury found Nguyen guilty of producing a Class B drug. The remaining charges were ordered to lie on file.

On the same day, he was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Following the sentencing, police reiterated the serious risks associated with cannabis factories, particularly the fire dangers caused by illegal electrical connections. Officers continue to encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity so that similar operations can be identified and dismantled.