Police discovered a vast cannabis farm with plants worth up to £1m inside a mothballed magistrates' court, just yards from a police station. Now 20-year-old man has been jailed for his part in the part in the scam.
Ilidion Brahaj, 20, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of producing a Class B drug. Around 1,000 cannabis plants were found inside the former Halton Magistrates’ Court on Northway in Runcorn.
In a statement, Cheshire Constabulary said: "Ilidion Brahaj, of no fixed address, had been producing approximately 1,000 plants to the street value of between £336,640 and £1 million.
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"The 20-year-old was caught after police officers received information that there may be a cannabis farm inside the building on Second Avenue in Halton Lea. A warrant was then executed at 12pm on Thursday 25 November 2021.
"After officers gained entry the plants were noticeable on the ground floor and Brahaj could be seen running through a make-shift living area of the property. He was chased by officers and arrested nearby on Northway."
At Chester Crown Court Brahaj was sentenced to two years after pleading guilty. PC Simon Gibson said: “Thanks to information received from the local community we were able to seize a significant quantity of cannabis which could have been destined for onward supply.
“The organised crime groups who produce cannabis to be supplied to users often do so by recruiting and exploiting vulnerable people who can then be subjected to poor treatment and living conditions.
“I want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may suspect drug related activity occurring in their community to get in touch. The information provided – no matter how small could lead to a cannabis farm being seized and vulnerable adults being safeguarded.”
If you have information please contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting the Cheshire Constabulary website. Information can also be provided by calling 101
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