The 2022 explosion caused damage to two flats and left one man in hospital
A man has been jailed after an explosion which damaged two flats in Skelmerdale uncovered his operation to produce and supply cannabis edibles. Robert Nolan, 43, and Haryad Lahijan, 33, appeared in Preston Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced after the explosion in Nolan's flat on May 17 2022 at a flat in Tansfields, Skelmersdale , triggered a search of his residence.
Nolan's flat was found to contain ingredients used to make edibles including pork gelatine, citric acid, and 38 cannisters of Butane gas. Cannabis edibles were also recovered which, upon analysis, were found to contain THC. Although there was no direct evidence to indicate the Butane was the sole cause of the explosion, being in possession of a high quantity of flammable gas in a residential flat was considered an aggravating factor for Nolan due to the danger he put his neighbours in. The explosion occurred at 6.07 when emergency services were called about a possible explosion at the block of flats, with the explosion seriously damaging two flats and leaving one man in hospital with burns. The court heard how a mobile phone was found at the flat which included messages about the production and supply of cannabis, along with quantities of cannabis and edibles with a street value of £2,747 to £2,946. Mr Lahijan, who has since moved to Scotland, was referred to as the driver of the operation, having taken the goods 'from A to B' On that day, Lahijan had visited the flat and complained about smelling gas but didn't think anything of it. He then switched on the kettle and within 30 seconds an explosion occurred within the flat Mr Nolan was inside the property when he heard a 'large bang', with witnesses saying they saw another male run out the door and driven off at high speed. Lahijan rushed to hospital and was taken straight to the police. After the explosion, Mr Nolan fled the scene. This provoked a media appeal to locate him, leading him to hand himself in to the police. 'A significant amount of drugs were found,' said Recorder Emma Fisher. 'I struggle to find that you were running anything but a business. 'You got into this with your eyes open, this was an operation capable of large quantities' When sentencing Lahijab, she said: 'You were told to take the drugs by Mr Nolan, you were the driver and you received no money for that. 'You were largely involved in the scheme, you took the drugs from A to B.' Nolan, of Burwen Drive, Liverpool was charged with being concerned in the production and supply of cannabis and was sentenced to a 27 month custodial sentence. Lahijab, of Groathill Road, Edinburgh, was charged with supplying cannabis, and has given an 18 months community order with 180 hours unpaid work and 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox
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