Two men jailed for huge cannabis factory in Exminster

Two men have been jailed after police uncovered a massive cannabis farm near Exeter. Valerian Ndreca and Adelaji Licaj, both 28, were found on the roof of an industrial building in Exminster.

Inside the building police found 705 cannabis plants. The potential yearly value of the crop was estimated to be £1.7million. Both men appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Friday and were jailed for two years and four months.

Both were in the country illegally after arriving in boats across the English Channel, the court heard. They will likely be deported on release.

Prosecutor Beth Rickerby said police raided the address at a small industrial park on February 20 of this year. Inside they found a sophisticated cannabis growing operation in five rooms complete with insulation and ventilation system. The estimated street value of the plants was £237,000.

The Crown said the men, both of Station Road, Exminster, had a lesser role in the operation having been required to tend the crop to pay off debts to smugglers. Neither defendant has any previous convictions.

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The defendants both pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug of Class B. Stephen Nunn, defending, said they became friends after arriving in the UK. Each had hoped to start a better life and send money back to their families.

They had worked as labourers until offered employment with the drugs. Mr Nunn said the probability was they would be deported.

"They follow in the footsteps of many more who now find themselves in far worse trouble than when they embarked."

Judge Stephen Climie said it was an extensive cannabis farm capable of generating more than £1million income each year."

DS Jason Parsons said: “This result demonstrates how Devon and Cornwall Police officers work closely with members of our communities to identify drug factories such as this one. We will continue to robustly deal with them and the people connected to them.”