Two men sentenced for growing cannabis in Berkshire
Police discovered plantation with a potential turnover of ÂŁ2m
Two men have been sentenced for growing cannabis in Berkshire.
27-year-old Marjan Prendi and 38-year-old Ilir Biba, both Albanian nationals of no fixed abode, were each sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
On 17 October, 2020 at about 12.30am, a member of the public contacted officers about a vehicle acting suspiciously in the Hogwood Industrial Estate in Finchampstead.
When they arrived, officers found a vehicle parked there but without anyone inside it. Officers searched the area and found a locked business unit where noises could be heard inside as well as a distinctive smell emanating from it.
They gained entry and found a substantial amount of cannabis plants. They also located Prendi and Biba within the unit and arrested them. They were charged on 18 October.
In custody, both defendants claimed to be victims of modern slavery but a thorough police investigation proved this to be untrue, resulting in them pleading guilty to the offences before a trial was heard.
Investigating officer, PC James Greehy, based at Loddon Valley police station, said:
“This was a well-organised and sophisticated cannabis plantation set up for commercial gain.
“From the crops seized, the potential turnover of the plantation was estimated to be in the region of £2m, directly going into the hands of organised crime groups.
“Throughout the investigation both Prendi and Biba attempted to distance their involvement, claiming they were being forced to work there but that they didn’t know by whom, and I am glad the Judge was able to see through these false claims.”