Man jailed for cannabis cultivation
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A man’s been jailed for cannabis cultivation in Hadleigh.
Jani Murati, aged 37 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area was jailed for 10 months at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 25 November for production of cannabis.
It follows an incident on 19 August 2024 when officers from the Sentinel South team attended an address in Ann Beaumont Way in Hadleigh after concerns had been expressed that the premises may be being used for the cultivation of cannabis. Entry was gained to the address and Murati was caught using a ladder to access the loft-space.
A search of the address found that three of the upstairs rooms had been converted for the production of cannabis and the loft-space had been split into two further growing areas.
In total, 158 cannabis plants were found at different stages of growth, suggesting a long-term staggered harvesting enterprise. A large sum of cash and a mobile phone were also seized. Murati was arrested for production of cannabis.
A detailed assessment of the cannabis judged that, if the 158 plants had been grown successfully to harvest, the amount of cannabis likely to be produced was between 4.4kgs and 13.2kgs with a potential value, if sold in kilogram amounts, of between £17,000 and £80,000.
On 20 August 2024 he appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to production of cannabis. Court orders were also made for the destruction of the cannabis and the confiscation of £538 in cash, the mobile phone and cannabis cultivation equipment.
How can you spot a cannabis farm?
- Ground floor windows that are constantly covered and seals around garage doors
- Condensation at the windows
- Brand new cameras on non-descript buildings
- Unauthorised works in the immediate area of premises, including roads and pavements being dug up.
- Vans attending outside of normal business hours
- Odour or smell
- People coming and going with hydroponic equipment
- Unloading building materials that do not fit the building
If you suspect drug activity report this via the website www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/report-crime, call 101, or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.