Two men jailed for cannabis factory in Dovercourt
A total of 500 cannabis plants were found in June last year.
Last updated 28th Mar 2021
Two men have been sentenced after cannabis with a street value of more than £1million was found in a Dovercourt house.
It's in relation to the discovery in June last year.
Following reports of a strong smell of cannabis and an increase in anti-social behaviour around Hill Road, Police spoke to residents and businesses, tracing the smell to a house on the High Street.
Officers were then given access to a nearby shop roof where they could see the house and signs of cannabis being grown.
19-year-old Prrenjasi, of Woodbine Terrace, in Annfield Plain, County Durham, and Blloku, 27 of Berkeley Avenue, Greenford, in Middlesex were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.
A total of 500 cannabis plants were found, which could have been sold for an estimated £1.3million.
The two men were charged with producing cannabis and admitted the offences at court last year.
Both were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 25th March where Blloku was jailed for three years and two months, and Prrenjasi was jailed for two years and two months.
Sergeant Aaron Heard, of Harwich's Community Policing Team, said:
“During police interview, both Prrenjasi and Blloku described how their families were in debt and they had taken on the job of growing cannabis for other people in order to earn money to pay off these debts.
“They were also fearful of the people who employed them and what would happen to them or their families if they didn’t continue.
“Sadly, this is the reality behind the drugs trade. Criminals exploit people who are vulnerable and employ them to grow or sell drugs on their behalf. Once drawn into this criminal world, they then find it difficult to get out because of fear of violence or what would happen to them if they tried to get out.
“It’s why Essex Police is working every single day to target criminals involved in drugs supply and working to protect those they abuse and exploit.
“If you have information about drug dealing in your community, or are worried someone you know is being exploited, tell us so we can take appropriate action.”