Five men back in court after major cannabis cultivation unearthed in Galashiels
Last updated 5th Apr 2024
Five men arrested following the discovery of two cannabis farms in the centre of Galashiels have made a second appearance in court.
Besim Velija, aged 63; Petrit Musta, aged 47; Shpetim Halil, aged 35; Joanis Melcani, aged 26, and Laurent Baih, aged 20; have been charged with being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.
It follows a police swoop on two former retail outlets on opposite sides of the town's Channel Street last week.
Officers estimate the cultivations found could have been worth more than £2.3 million.
It's believed to be the biggest haul ever seized in the Borders in a single day.
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The accused, believed to be foreign nationals, made no plea or declaration when they appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court this week.
All five - said to be of no fixed abode - were fully committed for trial and remanded in custody.
The date of their next court appearance is yet to be confirmed.
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