Six charged with Ipswich cannabis factory

Police have charged six people in connection with the discovery of a cannabis factory in Ipswich on Friday.

Officers, responding to information received from the public, attended a property on Arcade Street on Fri 12 January at around midday and made six arrests in connection with the incident.

Officers from the force’s response, firearms and proactive Kestrel team were in attendance, supported by CID investigation officers.

All six are males were arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Six males have now all been charged with the production of cannabis in contravention of section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 between 1 October 2023 and 12 January 2024.

They are:

Sander Paloka aged 36 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area.

Kristian Kaza, aged 28 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area.

Kristian Lleshi, aged 28 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area.

Florent Tukaj, aged 35 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area

Dorjan Gjorka, aged 28 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area.

Anxhelo Preci aged 28 and of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area.

They have all been remanded to appear before Ipswich Magistrates Court tomorrow at 10am. (Monday 15 January).

It is thought in the region of around 400 to 600 plants were located in the premises. 

Inspector Dan Fiske from Ipswich police said: “This information from the public enabled us to develop the intelligence and obtain the warrant which ultimately produced this find. This sort of information is the lifeblood of our work and is invaluable in helping us build a picture of criminal activity. We’re always very grateful for the support from the community.

"The location of the cannabis factory was a busy location in the town centre and may have caused some disruption. I’d like to thank the public for their patience while we conducted necessary initial enquiries, in particular, those local businesses who facilitated us access to their properties. The cordon that was in place on the property has now been removed.“

If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.

Report online to police Report a crime | Suffolk Constabulary, alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 or call police on 101.

The signs to spot of a cannabis factory include a strong or sickly-sweet smell in the air; buildings with windows constantly blocked off; high levels of heat and condensation and the constant buzz of ventilation. Such operations would most likely have people coming and going from an address at unsociable hours too.

Previous release

12 January 2024 8.52pm

Enquiries are continuing into the discovery of a cannabis factory in Ipswich town centre earlier today (Fri 12 January).

Officers attended a property on Arcade Street today (Fri 12 January) at around midday and have made six arrests in connection with the incident.

All six are males - four of them are aged 28, one is aged 35 years old and a sixth is aged 36. All six have been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and have been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning where they remain.

A cordon remains in place on the property and the public can still expect to see a large police presence in the area overnight and tomorrow (Sat) as enquiries continue.

Anyone who knows anything about this incident or has seen any suspicious behaviour should contact Ipswich police, quoting CAD 111 of today (12 January).

Website – Provide more information about an appeal | Suffolk Constabulary

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Phone – Call 101

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

Previous release

12 January 2024 2.50pm

Police are currently in attendance in Ipswich town centre and have made six arrests in connection with a suspected cannabis factory.

Officers attended a property on Arcade Street today (Fri 12 January) at around midday.

Enquiries into the incident are on-going and the public can expect to see a large police presence in the area for the next few hours as enquiries continue.

Anyone who knows anything about this incident or has seen any suspicious behaviour should contact Ipswich police, quoting CAD111 of today (12 January)

Website – Provide more information about an appeal | Suffolk Constabulary

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Phone – Call 101

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999