A man from Smethwick is among six individuals charged following a police raid on a massive 'multi-million pound' cannabis farm in Nottinghamshire. Authorities uncovered just over 4,800 cannabis plants inside a disused industrial unit in Botany Avenue, Mansfield, on Sunday, May 3.
The plants, found at varying stages of maturity, were discovered during a targeted operation by Nottinghamshire Police. The six men have been charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug, being concerned in the production of a class B drug, and acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property.
Charged individuals
The following men were charged and appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 5:
- Lanti Avapi, 45, of no fixed abode
- Eldis Beneri, 34, of no fixed abode
- Robert Ruko, 47, of no fixed abode
- Artu Ruqu, 44, of no fixed abode
- Elton Salihasi, 41, of no fixed abode
- Ardit Gjonaj, 37, of Crocketts Lane, Smethwick
All defendants were remanded in custody and are next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 2.
Police operation
Neighbourhood, response, and tactical support group officers were involved in dismantling what police described as a 'massive multi-million pound cannabis-growing operation'. Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett of Nottinghamshire Police stated: 'We had reason to believe this site was being used for illegal purposes and our suspicions were soon confirmed when we gained entry and discovered an extremely large industrial-sized cannabis farm.'
She added: 'Targeting drug-related criminality and taking harmful substances off our streets is one of our key policing priorities, so I’m pleased we were able to recover such a large amount of illegal drugs, preventing them from hitting the streets, and bring these six suspects before the court.'
