Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
The police have released pictures which show a massive cannabis growing operation which was run in a converted industrial unit in Bideford.
The 214 plants were found in three rooms hidden behind paneling and accessible only by a ladder from the flat above the former vehicle workshops.
Officers uncovered the highly professional operation run by an Albanian gang who had installed a homeless illegal immigrant to mind the plants.
Durim Salliu came to Britain from Albania hidden inside a lorry but found himself penniless and homeless and fell prey to a criminal gang who offered him work, food, money and housing.
He was taken to an industrial unit at Nuttaberry Yard, East-the-Water, provided with a large box of food, and ordered to feed and water plants.
He had been living alone in an upstairs flat for three weeks when police raided the workshops.
The roller doors had been sealed shut and the only way into the three growing rooms was down a ladder from the flat, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Salliu was told he would be paid £1,000 plus £500 expenses but received nothing and had just eight pence and the clothes he stood in when he was arrested.
Salliu, aged 23, of no fixed abode, admitted production of cannabis and was jailed for nine months by Judge Graham Cottle earlier this week.
He told him: "You came to these shores because you believed employment was easy to find but you did not find work or accommodation and were effectively homeless and penniless. I accept that was the background.
"You met a group of Albanians and in return for the promise of money and food you were taken to Bideford and instructed to look after and tend a very substantial and particularly professional cannabis growing operation.
"Either during or after you complete your sentence you will be deported to Albania."
Mr Tom Bradnock, prosecuting, said police raided three units which appeared to be car repair workshops on September 22 but were unable to open the metal roller doors because they were sealed.
They went to the flat where Salliu let them in and showed them a ladder leading into three large growing areas which 214 plants, all 60 to 90 centimeters high and approaching maturity.
There were a total of 64 watt lights each of 600 watts, an enhanced electrical system, ducting, fans and feeding systems. The potential street value was £60,000 to almost £180,000.
Mr James Rickard, defending, said Salliu came from law abiding family and had never been in trouble before he came to Britain as an illegal immigrant. He was exploited because he was naïve and desperate for food, shelter, work and money.
He said: "He came to Britain believing it was a land of milk and honey where employment was everywhere but soon discovered that immigration rules made it impossible to find a job.
"He was homeless and on the streets for most of the time and when he was arrested he had just eight pence in his pocket."
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pictures show huge cannabis farm in North Devon run by Albanian gang - Devon Live
Author: Richard Booth
Contact: Contact Devon Live
Photo Credit: DevonLive
Website: Devon Live - Latest local news, sport & business from Devon
The 214 plants were found in three rooms hidden behind paneling and accessible only by a ladder from the flat above the former vehicle workshops.
Officers uncovered the highly professional operation run by an Albanian gang who had installed a homeless illegal immigrant to mind the plants.
Durim Salliu came to Britain from Albania hidden inside a lorry but found himself penniless and homeless and fell prey to a criminal gang who offered him work, food, money and housing.
He was taken to an industrial unit at Nuttaberry Yard, East-the-Water, provided with a large box of food, and ordered to feed and water plants.
He had been living alone in an upstairs flat for three weeks when police raided the workshops.
The roller doors had been sealed shut and the only way into the three growing rooms was down a ladder from the flat, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Salliu was told he would be paid £1,000 plus £500 expenses but received nothing and had just eight pence and the clothes he stood in when he was arrested.
Salliu, aged 23, of no fixed abode, admitted production of cannabis and was jailed for nine months by Judge Graham Cottle earlier this week.
He told him: "You came to these shores because you believed employment was easy to find but you did not find work or accommodation and were effectively homeless and penniless. I accept that was the background.
"You met a group of Albanians and in return for the promise of money and food you were taken to Bideford and instructed to look after and tend a very substantial and particularly professional cannabis growing operation.
"Either during or after you complete your sentence you will be deported to Albania."
Mr Tom Bradnock, prosecuting, said police raided three units which appeared to be car repair workshops on September 22 but were unable to open the metal roller doors because they were sealed.
They went to the flat where Salliu let them in and showed them a ladder leading into three large growing areas which 214 plants, all 60 to 90 centimeters high and approaching maturity.
There were a total of 64 watt lights each of 600 watts, an enhanced electrical system, ducting, fans and feeding systems. The potential street value was £60,000 to almost £180,000.
Mr James Rickard, defending, said Salliu came from law abiding family and had never been in trouble before he came to Britain as an illegal immigrant. He was exploited because he was naïve and desperate for food, shelter, work and money.
He said: "He came to Britain believing it was a land of milk and honey where employment was everywhere but soon discovered that immigration rules made it impossible to find a job.
"He was homeless and on the streets for most of the time and when he was arrested he had just eight pence in his pocket."
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pictures show huge cannabis farm in North Devon run by Albanian gang - Devon Live
Author: Richard Booth
Contact: Contact Devon Live
Photo Credit: DevonLive
Website: Devon Live - Latest local news, sport & business from Devon