A man has been jailed for more than two years after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis-growing operation at a property in Reading.
Ryan Jones, 41, of Barton Close, Surrey, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on 23 December 2025 to two years and eight months in prison, with an additional four months to run concurrently, after admitting a number of drugs offences.
Thames Valley Police said officers were on mobile patrol in Mortimer Common on Monday 9 June last year when they stopped to speak to Jones outside an address where he appeared to be carrying out renovation work.
Officers became suspicious after discovering a mobile phone in a skip outside the property, which Jones denied owning. Police also noticed packaging commonly linked to cannabis cultivation and reported a strong smell of cannabis coming from the address.
Jones was arrested on suspicion of producing a class B drug.
A subsequent search of the property uncovered two “substantial and sophisticated” cannabis grow sites – one in the basement and another in a purpose-built outbuilding. Police estimated the sites contained between 100 and 150 cannabis plants.
Officers also found extensive waste from previous grows, irrigation equipment and several bags of prepared cannabis stored in a kitchen freezer.
Jones was charged on 11 June 2025 and later pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of a class B drug.
PC Sam Clothier, from Thames Valley Police, said the case demonstrated the force’s commitment to tackling drug-related crime.
“This conviction reflects the sustained and meticulous work carried out by Thames Valley Police to disrupt the production and supply of illegal drugs in our community,” he said.
“Ryan Jones was responsible for a sophisticated cannabis-growing operation and was actively involved in the supply of class B substances, putting profit above the safety and wellbeing of others.
“This result sends a clear message that we will continue to target those who choose to engage in drug-related crime.”
