Two men sentenced to life for Bristol drug war murder
Aranit Lleshi was killed in a fight over a cannabis factory in Brislington
Two men who killed another man during a fight between two drugs gangs in Bristol, have been handed life sentences for murder.
Aranit Lleshi died after being injured in a clash between two groups outside a cannabis factory on Bloomfield Road in Brislington.
£95,000 pounds of cannabis was found inside when it was searched by police.
Brikel Palaj (33) and Radian Lika (35), both from London will serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
Another man Nikola Palaj (28) from London has been convicted of manslaughter and will serve five years, while Kastriot Mhillaj, of no fixed address has been given 18 weeks for violent disorder.
Following the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer DCI Phil Walker said: “It’s tragic a young man lost his life during this clash between two organised crime groups over a cannabis factory.
“Both groups were from the London area and targeted a quiet south Bristol neighbourhood to engage in wanton violence with weapons, witnessed by those who live there as well as passers-by.
“There’s often organised criminality behind the production of cannabis and we know these groups are using residential houses in street like this in the hope they can ply their exploitative trade under the radar.
"It’s crucial for members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions around drug activity in their neighbourhood to the police."
During an earlier trial at Bristol Crown Court, a jury heard how the criminal group who “owned” the cannabis crop were protecting it from another group who intended to steal it.
Aranit was part of the group protecting the crop.
“We’d like to express our continuing sympathies to the family of the victim, who’ve been left devastated by his death, and want to reiterate our thanks to all the witnesses who provided statements and evidence in this case – their assistance has ultimately helped us bring these dangerous men to justice," DCI Walker said.
Stella Waata, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS South West Complex Casework Unit, said: “While incidents like this are rare, it shows the risk posed by organised crime groups and why we and our police partners are determined to work together to dismantle them.
“They bring untold misery to our communities, and we will robustly prosecute cases, particularly those involving weapons.
"I would like to thank the local community for supporting the investigation and those who came forward as witnesses.”
DCI Walker added: “We’d encourage anyone with suspicions about a property in their neighbourhood being used for illegal drug activity to report their observations and concerns to the police – either by calling 101, contacting us online, or providing information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
You can call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555111, or speak to them through their website here.