Drug dealer jailed after cannabis factory found inside Newark flat
Police uncovered drugs, cash, weapons evidence and an indoor cannabis grow following a traffic stop
A drug dealer who converted his one-bedroom flat into a cannabis cultivation site has been sentenced to prison after a police investigation uncovered drugs, cash and evidence of large-scale drug dealing.
Craig Dickman first came to the attention of officers on 19 May 2025, when the Ford S-Max he was driving was flagged by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. He was later stopped by officers in Daybrook.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a knife inside the glove compartment, a significant quantity of cannabis hidden inside a lunch box in the boot, and a bag containing a large amount of cash.
Officers also recovered notebooks detailing suspected drug transactions and money owed by customers.
Further investigation of Dickman's mobile phones revealed evidence indicating he was actively involved in the supply of Class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin.
Following his arrest, officers searched his home on Markham Close, Ollerton, where they were met by a strong smell of cannabis coming from the property. Inside the one-bedroom flat, police discovered the remains of an indoor cannabis grow.
Recently harvested cannabis plants were found in the living room, while the bedroom contained lighting equipment and ventilation fans commonly used to cultivate the drug indoors.
Dickman was initially charged with multiple offences but failed to remain in the area after being granted bail, travelling to Scotland instead.
He was later traced to an address in Newark and brought back before the courts.
The 48-year-old admitted offences including being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, producing cannabis, possessing a knife in a public place, possessing criminal property, and breaching the Bail Act.
He has now been jailed for three years following his guilty pleas.
Police Constable Michael Callan, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said:
“This outcome in court is all thanks to the alertness and determination of the officers who initially spotted and pulled over the vehicle.
"The car stop and arrest allowed us to seize a phone which showed Dickman's involvement in the supply of very harmful Class A drugs.
"By searching his home, we also discovered the remains of a cannabis grow which could easily have become active again.
"Cannabis grows within residential areas create a host of issues for neighbouring properties who are put at risk from people trying to steal the crop and from the fire hazards they create."