Man jailed for Ellesmere Port cannabis farm

A man who admitted running a cannabis farm in Ellesmere Port has been jailed.

Blerim Kamberaj appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 16 December, where he was sentenced to ten months in prison.

The 42-year-old of Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port, had earlier pleaded guilty to production of Class B drugs (Cannabis).

The court heard how one Saturday 22 November, officers from Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit executed a warrant at a former retail store on Whitby Road after receiving intelligence about the property.

Upon entering the building officers found that the premises had been converted into a professional cannabis farm, with nine grow zones, set up over three floors.

While searching the address officers also located Kamberaj, who was found hiding under furniture. He was subsequently arrested in relation to the discovery.

In total officers recovered 496 plants from the address, with a potential street value of up to £371,750.

Following the hearing, PC Paul Malcolm, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit said:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Kamberaj, and I hope that it provides reassurance to the local community.

“The negative impact that illegal drugs have on our communities are well known and we are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions and our ongoing battle against those who are involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs continues.

“I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”

There are a number signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including:

• A strong and sickly sweet smell
• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment
• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings
• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see
• Strong and constant lighting day and night
• High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up
• A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the growers try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow.
• Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use.

To report a suspected cannabis farm or any other type of drug-related offence, call us 101, give the details via our website or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured - Blerim Kamberaj of Whitby Road in Ellesmere Port.