Cannabis factory worth £1.5m uncovered in Newcastle

More than 2,000 plants were found inside.

Author: Dan DaviesPublished 11th May 2021

A cannabis factory, thought to be worth around £1.5 million, has been found by police in Newcastle.

Officers attended a property in Brick Kiln Lane, Chesterton early on Friday (7 May) morning.

They found in excess of 2,000 cannabis plants in the industrial unit with growing areas spread across the first and second floors.

Three men were arrested and later charged on suspicion of producing a drug of Class B – cannabis – Arilnt Nterka, aged 25, Judian Judi Xhindole, aged 26, and Ilir Lila, aged 42, all of no fixed address.

Western Power were informed and asked to attend to cut off the electricity supply and make the property safe.

The cannabis growing operation was dismantled and cleared by 3.25pm and the property was left in the care of its landlord.

The three charged men have been refused bail and are awaiting a court date.

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