Two Blokes Nabbed with £350k Cannabis Farm in Southampton
Elidjon Dedaj, 24, and Kujtim Qungeli, 37, both with no fixed address, have copped 12 months behind bars after pleading guilty to producing Class B cannabis. The pair were hauled before Southampton Crown Court over a massive drug grow operation busted in April.
Van Drivers Flee But Get Pinched
On March 19, cops on patrol spotted a white van parked the wrong way down a one-way street in Alfred Street. Dedaj and Qungeli were nearby and tried to leg it when they saw the officers – but they were caught quicksmart. Qungeli was seen sneaking into a property on Alfred Street moments before the arrest.
Cannabis Factory Worth Over £350k Uncovered
A search of the home revealed a vast cannabis farm under powerful lights, complete with signs of a significant electricity theft near the fuse box. Dozens of bin bags stuffed with weed were seized, believed to be worth a staggering £352,000 on the streets.
Officer Warns of Risks and Calls for Public Help
“Drug cultivation and supply often goes hand in hand with organised crime, serious violence including use of firearms and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” said PC Jess Swift from Western Investigations.
“The electricity needed to grow this many plants is a serious fire risk, putting neighbours’ lives in danger.
“Taking Dedaj and Qungeli off the streets disrupts the local drug supply and makes Southampton safer.
“I hope this sentence encourages people to report any suspicions of cannabis cultivation or drug dealing in their area. Every tip helps us take action.”
The judge also ordered all seized drugs be destroyed, delivering a clear message to anyone running illegal grow ops in the city.
