Man jailed following Macclesfield cannabis farm closure

A man has been jailed after officers seized more than 700 cannabis plants from a farm in Macclesfield.

Voktot Isufaj, of no fixed abode, Winsford, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 16 June, where he was sentenced to three years in prison.

The 43-year-old previously pleaded guilty to one count of production of class B drugs (cannabis).

In addition to his prison sentence, he was also order to pay £228 court costs.

The court heard that on Thursday 8th May police were called to reports of suspicious activity at a former bank on Chestergate, Macclesfield.

The caller reported witnessing suspicious men entering the disused building, along with a strong smell of cannabis in the area.

Officers were dispatched to the scene and after entering the premises they discovered approximately 700 cannabis plants, all at varying stages of growth, along with heat lighting, fans, irrigation systems, which were spread over three floors.

Isufaj was arrested at the scene and later charged in relation to the discovery.

Drug analysis experts estimated the plants could yield a potential street value of between £238,480 and £715,480.

Officers swiftly arrested Isufaj, who was inside the property at the time, and he was later charged.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable Ryan Smith, who led the investigation said:

“This is another great result which demonstrates the value of intelligence from the public. As a result of the information provided, not only have we removed a significant quantity of cannabis the streets of Macclesfield, but Isufaj is now behind bars.

“This former bank had been converted into a sophisticated cannabis farm, with specialist lighting and ventilation systems to maximise the amount of class B drugs being cultivated inside. In total, the building contained 724 cannabis plants at various stages of growth, which have since been destroyed.

“While this cannabis farm has now been closed, our fight against illegal drugs continues and II urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”

 There are a number signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including:

• A strong and sickly sweet smell
• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment
• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings
• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see
• Strong and constant lighting day and night
• High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up
• A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the growers try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow
• Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use.

To report a suspected cannabis farm or any other type of drug-related offence, call us 101, give the details via our website or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured - Voktot Isufaj of no fixed abode in Winsford.