Two Men Jailed Over £350k Cannabis Factory Bust in Southampton
Elidjon Dedaj, 24, and Kujtim Qungeli, 37, both homeless, have landed themselves behind bars. The pair pleaded guilty to producing a Class B drug – cannabis – and were sentenced to 12 months in prison at Southampton Crown Court. The seized stash was ordered to be destroyed.
Police Spot Suspicious Van, Snare Drug Crop
On March 19, officers spotted a white van driving the wrong way down a one-way street in Alfred Street. Dedaj and Qungeli were nearby. When they noticed the police, they tried to flee but were quickly caught.
Qungeli had been seen entering a property on the same street. A search uncovered a massive cannabis grow operation under powerful lights. Investigators also found signs of a dangerous electrical tampering near the fuse box.
£352,000 Worth of Cannabis Seized
- Dozens of bin bags stuffed with cannabis plants were seized.
- Estimated street value: £352,000.
PC Jess Swift of Western Investigations led the case and explained the wider dangers. “Drug cultivation often links to organised crime, serious violence, firearms, and exploitation. Tackling it is a top priority,” she said.
“The electricity needed to grow this many plants is a massive fire risk, endangering nearby homes and lives. By shutting down this factory and removing Dedaj and Qungeli from our streets, we’ve disrupted a local drug network and made Southampton safer.”
PC Swift added: “I hope this sends a message to the public – report any suspicious drug activity in your area. Every tip helps us act.”
