A MAN is to be sentenced later this month for his role in a large cannabis farm at a former pound shop in Worcester city centre.
Denis Voka, 24, of no fixed abode, previously admitted being concerned in the production of a controlled drug of class B, cannabis.
Voka was involved in the production at the cannabis farm at the former Poundland store in The Shambles between April 1 and June 6 this year.
Police found a 500-plant cannabis farm in the upper section of the empty shop in June.
Staff working near the former shop said they noticed a strong smell of cannabis in the mornings.
His co-accused Gjediku Kadri, 41, appeared unrepresented and told the court he could not speak English during an earlier hearing, and is yet to enter a plea.
The latest hearing, scheduled for July 24, was adjourned and Voka is now to attend his sentence on August 28.
Kadri will also have his case heard on that date, after seeking legal advice.
The pair are remanded in custody until the hearing.
READ MORE: Man took part in cannabis farm at former Poundland at The Shambles
READ MORE: 'Large' cannabis farm found at former Poundland in The Shambles
Shoppers said they could smell the drug as they passed the old pound shop which has been empty since the shop closed in March 2020.
One business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “When you get here in the mornings it used to smell so strongly of the stuff and I guess now we know why.”
Officers smashed open the doors of the empty shop before they discovered the cannabis plants.
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