£2.4 Million Cannabis Empire Busted in Hull and East Riding
A major organised crime group has been caught running a £2.4 million cannabis production and distribution ring across Hull and East Riding. After a three-year probe, four men were found guilty at Hull Crown Court and face sentencing soon.
Drug Lords Used Fake Estate Agents to Cover Grow Ops
The gang’s 11-week trial revealed how they used multiple properties as cannabis farms, turning over an estimated £2.4 million every 11 to 13 weeks. At the heart of the operation was Anderson Estates on Newland Avenue – a sham estate agent’s office plastered with fake adverts and stock photos.
Jeremy Southgate, 63, of Brough, masterminded the scheme. He bought properties cheaply at auction, forged ghost tenancy documents, and even secured government grants to install insulation that aided concealment of cannabis grows. His accomplice, Florjan Kasaj, 41, managed the properties and directed the build and staffing of the grow houses, employing illegal immigrants to work the fields.
Crime Network Finally Cracked by Police
- Detective Constable Karen Smith launched the investigation in January 2021 after a warrant on Anlaby Road uncovered £74,000 worth of Class B drugs and production gear.
- Police uncovered cannabis grows in multiple properties including a hotel and a house on Huntingdon Street.
- Multiple warrants led to seizures of large amounts of cannabis, cash, and counterfeit IDs.
- Southgate’s £140,000 luxury boat was raided, netting almost £51,000 in cash; further cash and fake IDs were recovered from his home.
Court Convictions and Public Warning
The four guilty men include:
- Ervis Mrisgaj, 25, Peterborough – two counts of conspiracy to produce Class B drugs
- Florjan Kasaj, 41, Hull – conspiracy to produce Class B drugs
- Dardan Mrishaj, 37, Hull – conspiracy to produce Class B drugs
- Jeremy Southgate, 63, Brough – conspiracy to produce Class B drugs, money laundering and fraud by false representation
“I hope today’s outcome at court serves as a warning to all organised crime groups who think it is okay to commit criminality in our area,” said Detective Constable Karen Smith.
“While they operated a sophisticated set-up trafficking Class B drugs, our specialist officers worked tirelessly to dismantle this network. We urge landlords to rent out properties legitimately and safeguard their assets.”
The police also thanked partners including Hull City Council, East Riding Council, Northern PowerGrid, and Home Office Immigration for their support in the crackdown.
