Two jailed after £250,000 drugs ‘factory’ discovered in Nottingham

Two men have been jailed after police investigating a violent burglary uncovered a large drugs factory.

Police were called to a flat in Nottingham Road, New Basford, after a violent disturbance was reported.

Witnesses saw a bloodied and injured man leaving the address at around 10.25am on the morning of Sunday, 13 June and immediately dialled 999.

Officers found traces of blood at the property but were soon drawn to an address directly over the road.

Fearing that the injured man may be inside they forced entry through a rear window and immediately discovered a large cannabis grow.

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Around 300 plants of various sizes were crammed in the property, which had been converted solely for the purpose of growing cannabis.

The drugs, which had a potential street value of more than £250,000, were taken away and destroyed. Growing and filtration equipment found at the property was also put beyond use.

Ramazan Cobaj, aged 23, and Sabian Bishaj, aged 19, were found inside the address and arrested.

They later admitted to a charge of producing cannabis.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday they were jailed for 16 months and 14 months in prison respectively.

Detective Inspector Gayle Hart, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am aware that some people see cannabis production as a relatively minor crime, but the reality of grows like this is a lot more serious.

“Sadly, this kind of violence is a common occurrence at cannabis grows, as rival criminal gangs fight for control of the lucrative drugs trade.

“This violence can pose a serious threat to neighbouring residents, who run the risk of being caught in the middle of this violence.

“They are also at a greatly increased risk of fire by the reckless over-loading and bypassing electricity supplies.

“Cannabis cultivation is a serious and potentially dangerous crime that we will never tolerate on the streets of Nottinghamshire.

“If you believe that a property near you is being used for this purpose please call 101 and tell us about it. We will investigate where possible we will take action.”