Albanian man admits producing cannabis at former hotel in Hawick

Plants with an estimated street value of ÂŁ500,000 were unearthed

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 1st Jul 2024

A 41-year-old man has pled guilty to charges of producing cannabis and being concerned in the supply of the Class B drug.

It follows a police raid on the former Buccleuch Hotel in Hawick in October last year when plants with an estimated street value of ÂŁ500,000 were unearthed.

Albanian national Dritan Katana - described as a prisoner in Edinburgh - entered the plea when he appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court this morning (Monday).

He appeared in the dock with an interpreter and admitted both charges, relating to the address in Trinity Street, between September 19th and October 5th, 2023.

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Speaking at the time, Inspector Robbie Noble, from Police Scotland, said: “We remain committed to disrupting the illicit supply of drugs in our communities and we will use every tool and resource at our disposal to remove these illegal substances from our streets.

“Information from the public is vital. If you have any information or concerns about drugs misuse or wider criminality in your area, please contact us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Sentence has been deferred on Katana until later this month for background reports.

The case will recall at Selkirk Sheriff Court on July 22nd.

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