Gunshots and a cannabis raid shake Southampton street
Just after 1am on September 5, 2019, gunshots shattered the quiet of River Walk, Southampton. Police rushing to the scene found a haul of cannabis inside a property and bags dumped outside. The brazen burglary attempt was the start of a saga that ends with heavy jail time for four crooks.
Four jailed for total of 25 years over cannabis factory raid
- Fardeen Hamidy, 26, hit with 8 years 8 months for burglary conspiracy and firearm possession
- Christy Flaherty, 27, copped 8 years for burglary, firearm possession, and cocaine supply
- Robert Johnston, 25, jailed 5 years 4 months for burglary and firearm charges
- Ken Mulangala, 18, given 3 years for burglary conspiracy
Plot to rob cannabis factory goes sideways under gunfire
The quartet admitted targeting a cannabis factory at River Walk, aiming to nick the Class B stash for profit. Gunshots rang out during the bungled break-in, spooking residents and forcing the gang to flee, leaving bags of weed behind. Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit swiftly identified and arrested the four suspects.
All four pled guilty at Southampton Crown Court on October 27. Today, November 24, 2020, sentencing piled up a combined 25 years behind bars.
Neighbours traumatised as community cracked by drugs and violence
“It must have been terrifying for residents hearing gunshots on their street in the dead of night,”
said Hampshire police. The force warns drug supply and growing—even Class B drugs like cannabis—fuel serious violence and misery in communities.
They urge residents to report all suspicious drug activity to help keep neighbourhoods safe.
