Training dog uncovers cannabis factory in the city

When a private security company were out and about with their drugs dogs carrying out a workshop for children with special educational needs they didn’t expect to uncover a large-scale cannabis factory but that’s exactly what did happen.

During one afternoon in November last year the force received a call from a security company, who train dogs in drug searches and private protection.

The security company were doing a workshop for children with Special Educational Needs and they were using the cannabis sniffer dogs to help with the children’s sensory learning.

During the workshop, the dogs have repeatedly gone to the wall of the adjoining unit where the cannabis was later found after the workshop had ended.

When officers attended the unit in Thames Street, they found cannabis plants of various sizes with a street value of £1.3 million.  The plants covered most of the top floor of the building.

During a search of the building three men were found hiding in a storage cupboard.

Subsequently, Renald Dema, Ali Hoxha and Juljan Jaku were charged with cultivating cannabis.

At a hearing in December last year they all pleaded guilty to the offence and yesterday (Wednesday 2 February) Dema, 21, Hoxha, 29, and Jaku, 24, all of no fixed address, were sentenced at Leicester Crown Court.

Dema was given two years and three months in prison, Hoxha was given two years and nine months in prison and Jaku was given two years and six months in prison.

(Caption - Hoxa, Jaku and Dema pictured)

Detective Inspector Ross Dimmock from Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area, said: “This was a significant discovery which not only led to three people being arrested but also stopped more than a £1 million worth of drugs hitting our streets.

“Those responsible for this cannabis factory thought their actions would go unnoticed and undiscovered but they were wrong.

“We would like to thank the person reporting the discovery for their assistance and support during the investigation and subsequent leading proceedings.

“Drugs are a plight on society and lead to criminality and the breakdown of relationships and families.  We take these offences extremely seriously and will do all in our powers to bring people to justice.”

If anyone has any concerns about drugs misuse in their area they are encouraged to report their suspicions via www.leics.police.uk