IPSWICH: A well-known restaurateur is today awaiting sentence after admitting growing hundreds of cannabis plants and having thousands of cuttings at his restaurant.

Abdul Malik, of Crown Street, Ipswich, was arrested when officers executed a search warrant at Jamil’s Koh-i-Noor on June 15.

During the raid police discovered more than 350 plants growing in two rooms at the Crown Street restaurant, which the 34-year-old had run for just over two years.

In one room officers found around 330 smaller plants being cultivated.

In a second room it was reported they discovered 40 plants.

More than 3,300 cuttings were found drying in a third room.

The premises had been refurbished to install hydroponic equipment and other aids to enhance the growth of cannabis.

When police officers emptied the premises of the cannabis, the drug’s distinctive smell could be detected hundreds of yards away.

One nearby worker who witnessed the raid said at the time: “The smell has filled our office since the windows (of the restaurant) were opened. I didn’t know what it was until I found out why they were there.

“People have mentioned it smelling before.”

Malik was taken to Ipswich police station where he was questioned on June 15 and 16 before being charged.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis when he appeared before Ipswich Crown Court.

Malik is on conditional bail. A date has yet to be fixed for his sentencing.