Romanian Drug Trio Busted Running Massive Tyneside Cannabis Farms
Three Romanian nationals were locked up last Friday at Newcastle Crown Court for running large-scale cannabis farms across Tyneside. Edison Sulanjaku, Besnik Cela, and Xhenifer Murca were caught growing and supplying cannabis, leading to hefty jail sentences.
Police Sting Uncovers Industrial Cannabis Operation
It all kicked off last August when police patrolling Westgate Road, Newcastle, spotted a drug deal in action. Officers swooped on Edison Sulanjaku and seized his phone. They soon discovered he’d been live streaming an industrial-sized cannabis farm.
Police raced to the factory on St Omer’s Road, Dunston, where they found nearly 2,000 cannabis plants in various growth stages and a high-tech hydroponic setup. Besnik Cela was caught hiding in a caravan on the site and quickly arrested.
Second Farm Yields 17kg of Cannabis
Further police digging led them to Lincoln Street, Sunderland, where officers uncovered a second cannabis stash worth thousands of pounds. They seized 17 kilos of cannabis and arrested Xhenifer Murca, who admitted to illegally entering the UK.
Sentences and Deportation Orders
- Edison Sulanjaku, 26, from Houghton le Spring, jailed for 4½ years for production and possession with intent to supply cannabis.
- Besnik Cela, 49, no fixed address, jailed for 16 months for cannabis production.
- Xhenifer Murca, 22, no fixed address, jailed for 18 months for production and supplying cannabis.
All three face deportation once their prison terms end.
Police Warn Against Cannabis Crime Links
“Thanks to a detailed and comprehensive investigation, these men had no option but to admit their guilt and are now behind bars with their illegal operation smashed,” said Superintendent Jamie Pitt of Northumbria Police.
“Cannabis fuels organised crime, violence, human trafficking, and slavery. People must understand the wider harm beyond just the drugs.”
“No one wants drug farms or dealers in their neighbourhood. We urge communities to keep reporting suspicious activity so we can act swiftly.”
Supt Pitt added: “We’ll continue targeting these criminals and working with partners to support addiction recovery through Project Adder. Many vulnerable people get exploited in this trade, which is why our mission goes beyond just arrests.”
