'Bud Lovers Bargains' shop owner arrested and charged with drugs offences after Fleetwood raid

On Saturday (March 18) we reported that officers used a circular saw to cut through the metal shutters of the store in Poulton Road at around 1pm.

The shop – which features images of cannabis leaves on its store front – only recently moved into the unit previously occupied by a beauty salon.

We can now confirm that cannabis worth around £8,000 was discovered hidden behind a false wall inside the shop. An assortment of drugs paraphernalia was also found and seized.

A second raid followed at the home of the shop’s owner, Wesley Austin, with the 29-year-old arrested and later charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

At Blackpool Magistrates’ Court this morning, prosecutor Pam Smith said Austin tried to run from the house in Lindel Road, Fleetwood when police arrived.

District Judge Roger Lowe heard that a rucksack allegedly owned by Austin was later found by police containing cannabis worth around £5,800.

Defence lawyer Gary McAnulty said no pleas would be given by his client.

The judge sent the case to be heard at Preston Crown Court where Austin will appear on Monday, April 17.

He was bailed to live at his home in Lindel Road subject to a 9pm to 7am curfew.