Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail for £170,000 Cannabis Factory
A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after a £170,000 cannabis factory was discovered at his residence near Peterborough city centre. Marisol Bezati, a 20-year-old, was taken into custody when police officers forced entry into his house in Kent Road, West Town, on September 28.
During the operation, officers from the Neighbourhood Support Team uncovered a staggering 206 cannabis plants, estimated to be worth around £173,000, growing in various rooms and the loft of the property. Bezati appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on October 27, where he pleaded guilty to his involvement in the production of cannabis and the illegal abstraction of electricity.
Detective Constable Andrew Donaldson, the lead investigator, highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related criminal networks within the county. He emphasized the strong correlation between serious crime and those engaged in cannabis cultivation, as the illicit drugs trade frequently fuels violence among groups competing for market share.
Donaldson also drew attention to the additional threats posed by such cannabis setups, including the significant damage caused to properties, the dangerous and unauthorized use of electricity, and the risk of fires, fumes, and water damage.
For anyone with information or concerns regarding drug-related issues, the police have encouraged the public to report through their online drugs information webpage.
This latest case serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts being made to tackle illegal drug production and distribution networks across the country. Authorities remain committed to identifying and apprehending individuals involved in such criminal activities.
