Two men who tried to evade officers by hiding in a suspended ceiling have been jailed for their part in the production of cannabis.
In May this year officers executed a warrant at a unit in Baker Street, Coalville, and found more than 900 cannabis plants.
Bajram Isaku and Blerim Kamberi were found by officers hiding in the suspended ceiling.
After an examination of the scene, cultivating equipment and plants with an estimated street value of more than £650,000 were recovered.
At their first magistrates’ appearance 36-year-old Isaku of Baker Street, Coalville, and 23-year-old Kamberi of no fixed address, both pleaded guilty to production of cannabis.
At Leicester Crown Court on Monday, June 27, they were each sentenced to 16 months in prison. A forfeiture order was granted at the same court yesterday (July 6) ordering the forfeiture of money and drugs, which will be destroyed.
PC Joel Tarplin was the investigating officer. He said: “This was a significant operation for North-West Leicestershire’s Neighbourhood Policing Area and resulted in hundreds of plants being recovered and stopped from reaching the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“The defendants’ intention was to produce a large amount of cannabis for financial gain and we are pleased they have both pleaded guilty to their involvement in the production of these drugs.
“While this is a good result we are in no way complacent and know where one gap is opened, another is waiting to be filled. Our efforts to identify premises used for cultivating and producing cannabis remain ongoing and we encourage anyone who has any suspicions about properties in their area to get in touch.”
Cannabis farms can crop up in any residential area, not just in homes but in the back of shops, warehouses and empty buildings.
Anyone who has concerns or any suspicions should call 101 or report online via www.leics.police.uk
