Man Dies in Brutal Battle Over £95k Cannabis Farm
Aranit Lleshi lost his life after a vicious clash between two rival gangs over a cannabis factory in Brislington last May.
The grow house, hidden inside a property on Bloomfield Road, contained cannabis worth around £95,000.
Violent Turf War Ends in Tragedy
At bristol/" title="Bristol" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Bristol Crown Court, jurors heard how one gang was fiercely guarding their crop from thieves. Lleshi was part of the protecting crew.
Following a tense trial, three men were found guilty:
- Brikel Palaj, 33, Plumstead – convicted of murder
- Radian Lika, 35, Islington – convicted of murder
- Nikola Palaj, 28, Plumstead – convicted of manslaughter
Also, Kastriot Mhillaj, 34, of no fixed address, admitted violent disorder before the trial began.
Sentencing dates are yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Sadik Lleshi, 35, Tottenham, was cleared of violent disorder, and Rinush Behari, 33, Woolwich, was found not guilty of murder and violent disorder.
Knife Buyers Caught on CCTV
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker described the incident as “horrendous”, with extreme violence erupting on a quiet residential street.
“These two groups, both from London, used any weapons they could grab. CCTV showed Brikel Palaj and Radian Lika buying four large kitchen knives from a nearby supermarket – a chilling sign they meant serious harm,” said DCI Walker.
“Losing such a young man is a tragedy. Our thoughts remain with his family.”
The police pieced together the violent affair from hours of CCTV, mobile phone data, and witness statements to crack the case.
Prosecutors Vow to Tackle Organised Crime
Senior Crown Prosecutor Stella Waata warned: “The ferocity of the violence was terrifying for those who saw it. This rare but brutal incident shows the danger from organised crime gangs. We are determined to work with police to dismantle them.”
She added: “These gangs bring misery to communities. We fully back prosecuting those who bring weapons and violence.”
DCI Walker urged locals to report suspicious cannabis factories to police via 101, online, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
