Two men jailed after cannabis farm discovered in Northwich

Two men have been jailed after local officers located a cannabis farm in a commercial premises in Rudheath.

At around 8.45am on Sunday 1st February, officers entered a premises on Brunel Court off Rudheath Way, on Gadbrook Park.

Upon entering the building officers found that the premises had been converted into a professional cannabis farm, and the electricity supply had been bypassed.

Around 515 plants located at the address, with an estimated value of up to £400,000.

While searching the address officers also located Livan Gjini, 27, and Jetmir Grrica, 23, who were managing the farm.

The pair were both arrested at the scene and later charged with production of class B drugs.

Both men appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 2nd February where they pleaded guilty to the charges.

Gjini, of Cresswell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, and Grrica, of Audley Street, Crewe, have both been sentenced to 8 months in prison.

The pair have also been ordered to pay £85 costs and £187 victims surcharge.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Paul Heatley of Northwich Local Policing Unit said:

“I welcome the sentences handed to Gjini and Grrica and I hope that it provides reassurance to the local community.

“The negative impact that illegal drugs have on our communities are well known and were committed to doing all that we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions and our ongoing battle against those who are involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs continues.

“I 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 - Livan Gjini and Jetmir Grrica.