Two Nabbed in Massive Southampton Cannabis Bust
Elidjon Dedaj, 24, and Kujtim Qungeli, 37, both without a fixed address, have been jailed for a year after being caught producing a huge stash of Class B cannabis in Southampton.
Van Suspicion Leads to Drug Factory Raid
On 19 March, police patrolling Alfred Street spotted a white van parked the wrong way on a one-way street. When Dedaj and Qungeli were spotted nearby, they tried to flee but were quickly caught. Officers also saw Qungeli entering a local property shortly before the arrest.
A search of the home uncovered a large cannabis farm under high-powered lights. Worse still, police found signs of a dangerous electrical setup – a fire risk to neighbours. Dozens of bin bags packed with cannabis were seized, with an estimated street value of £352,000.
Police Crack Down on Organised Crime and Fire Hazards
“Drug cultivation and supply often goes hand in hand with organised crime, serious violence including use of firearms and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and children – which is why tackling the issue is one of our priorities,” said PC Jess Swift from Western Investigations.
“The electricity needed to grow this many plants can also be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties and lives in danger.”
“By dismantling this cannabis factory and taking Dedaj and Qungeli off the streets, we have disrupted the local drug supply network and made Southampton a safer place to live.”
“I hope this sentence encourages people to come forward and report information about any potential cannabis cultivation or drug supply in your neighbourhood. All the information you give us is reviewed and helps us to take action.”
Sentenced and Seized
The pair pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and were sentenced at Southampton Crown Court to 12 months imprisonment. The judge has ordered all seized drugs to be destroyed.
Southampton is cracking down hard on cannabis farms as police warn of the risks posed by illegal grows – both to public safety and local communities.
