The shop was closed and sealed while officers continued examining the findings. Photo credit: Bermek/Shutterstock
What started as a routine inspection at a Granada Kebab shop uncovered far more than anyone ever expected. Inspectors reportedly found insects, food products without proper labels and identification and serious hygiene problems before discovering an alleged cannabis plantation and other drugs inside the premises, leading to its immediate closure.
The discovery turned a normal check up into the centre of a police investigation, with officers finding problems linked to food safety alongside an alleged drug operation inside the same building. The fast-food outlet was closed after inspectors uncovered a series of issues that raised serious questions about the conditions inside the premises and what was taking place away from the public area.
Inspectors find serious hygiene problems inside premises
During the inspection, officers discovered insects inside the premises, along with food products that did not have the required labelling. Inspectors also found meat and sauces that were not correctly identified, meaning there was no clear information showing where the products came from or how they had been stored. Food traceability is important because it allows businesses and inspectors to identify ingredients, check their origin and ensure they have been handled correctly.
The inspection also found problems with refrigeration equipment, accumulated grease and poor maintenance conditions inside the premises. These issues meant inspectors could not confirm that food was being stored and prepared under the standards expected from a business serving customers. The discovery of these conditions inside a food outlet has raised questions about what customers cannot see when they walk into a premises.
Hidden cannabis plantation discovered inside building
The investigation reportedly uncovered another discovery inside the building when officers found an indoor cannabis plantation. A total of 88 cannabis plants were reportedly found in the cultivation area, alongside equipment used to grow cannabis indoors. Investigators also reportedly found that the cultivation area was connected to an illegal electricity supply, which is now part of the investigation. The discovery changed the nature of the inspection, with officers moving from food safety concerns to investigating suspected drug-related offences. A restaurant that appeared to operate as a normal fast-food shop was allegedly being used for cannabis cultivation in areas where customers closely waited for their take-away.
Cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine among substances found
The discovery reportedly went further, with police finding other suspected drugs inside the premises. Officers reportedly seized more than 80 grams of cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine, along with precision scales and around €7,000 in cash. The combination of several different substances, scales and cash led police to investigate whether the premises was being used for drug-related activity. The owner was reportedly detained on suspicion of offences linked to public health and electricity fraud. The investigation remains open as officers continue looking into the alleged activity taking place inside the premises.
Local concerns after unusual discovery
The case has attracted attention from neighbours because of the number of different issues found during the same inspection that went by completely unnoticed by customers. A fast-food restaurant is expected to provide customers with food prepared in safe and hygienic conditions, making the discovery of insects, unlabelled products and alleged drug activity particularly serious. For people living nearby, the findings have raised questions about how long the alleged activity may have been taking place and what was happening inside the building.
Premises sealed after inspection
Following the discovery, the kebab shop has been closed and sealed while officers continued examining the findings. The business cannot reopen while the investigation continues and the reported breaches are reviewed.
The alleged illegal electricity connection linked to the cannabis plantation is also being investigated alongside the food safety issues and suspected drug offences. Police are continuing to gather information about the operation and whether anyone else may have been involved.
A discovery nobody expected
For anyone walking past the kebab shop, it may have appeared to be an ordinary place to stop for a quick meal. However, the inspection uncovered a very different situation inside. Finding insects, unlabelled meat and poor hygiene conditions would already have been a serious discovery, but officers then reportedly uncovered an indoor cannabis plantation, other drugs, cash and equipment linked to the alleged operation.
The case has turned a routine inspection into a much larger investigation involving food safety breaches and suspected criminal activity. The premises remains closed while police continue their enquiries into what was found inside the Granada fast-food outlet.
