A sophisticated £1.8 million cannabis factory has been discovered in a deserted shopping centre, leading to the arrest of several Albanian nationals who now face substantial prison time.
Police raided the abandoned retail space after receiving intelligence about suspicious activity. Inside, officers found hundreds of cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms, with an elaborate irrigation and lighting system installed to cultivate the illegal crop.
Industrial-Scale Operation
The operation was described as 'industrial-scale' by investigators, with the potential to produce cannabis worth nearly £2 million on the streets. The suspects had allegedly transformed the empty shopping centre into a fully functional drug production facility.
International Connections
Authorities believe the organised crime group has links to international drug networks. The Albanian nationals arrested are suspected of being key players in this sophisticated operation.
Detective Inspector Mark Johnson commented: 'This was one of the most professional set-ups we've encountered. The individuals involved showed clear knowledge of large-scale cannabis production.'
Sentencing Looms
The defendants are currently awaiting sentencing at Crown Court, where they could face up to 10 years imprisonment for drugs production offences. Prosecutors are pushing for substantial sentences to reflect the scale of the operation.
Local residents expressed shock at the discovery, with many unaware that the disused shopping centre had become a hub for criminal activity. The case highlights the growing trend of organised crime groups repurposing abandoned buildings for illegal enterprises.
