Man Dies After Fire at Cannabis Farm in East London
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve when a fire broke out in a locked garage in Southwold Road, East London. Emergency services were called at 4.10pm on Friday, 31 December, to discover a blaze at a cannabis cultivation site.
Victim Identified as Ermal Qose
A 35-year-old Albanian man, Ermal Qose, was found trapped inside the garage. He was rushed to hospital but sadly died two days later on 2 January. Ermal had no known address in the UK. His family has been informed.
Two Men Arrested Over Death and Drug Farm
- A 33-year-old man was arrested on the same day as the fire on suspicion of false imprisonment and cannabis cultivation. He has since been released under investigation.
- On 7 January, police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of manslaughter, false imprisonment, and cannabis cultivation. He remains in custody.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers is leading the investigation, now focusing on manslaughter. He said:
“Ermal tragically lost his life having been trapped inside the locked garage which was being used for the cultivation of cannabis when the fire broke out. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family.”
“If you were in the area on New Year’s Eve or noticed anyone coming or going from the garage, please get in touch. Your information could be vital.”
Officers returned to the scene on 7 January to gather more details and appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8345 4128 or use the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Woodford. To remain anonymous, ring Crimestoppers.
Warning About the Dark Side of Drugs Trade
DCI Rogers also issued a grim reminder about the illegal drugs trade:
“This trade ruins lives — not just those involved but the vulnerable people caught up in it. Ermal’s death is a heartbreaking example of that.”
“If you know anything about those profiting from this trade, please speak to police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
