Two jailed for cannabis farm at former Worcester Poundland

Worcester Crown Court heard Denis Voka, 24, and Gjediku Kadri, 41, both of no fixed abode, were involved in the production of the cannabis farm at the former Poundland store in The Shambles between April 1 and June 6 this year. 

Ms Vinall, prosecuting, said police executed a drugs warrant at the premises of the former bargain shop at 9.25am on June 6. 

DRUGS: Police at the former Poundland in The Shambles when the drugs were found (Image: Newsquest)

The prosecutor said, after forcing the door open at the old retail entrance, police found the old shop floor empty with ongoing building work.

But, she told the court, there was "considerable resistance" upstairs with it taking over five minutes for officers to get through two metal doors locked from the inside. 

Ms Vinall said behind the door officers found a "significant cannabis cultivation" with 500 plants, artificial light, ventilation and other drug paraphernalia.

The prosecutor said the pair were then found covered in mud under the emergency fire exit steps in New Street, before they were arrested. 

JAILED: Gjediku Kadri (Image: West Mercia Police)

Upstairs police found a kitchen area with a significant amount of food stored while there were two bedroom areas where the pair had slept.

The prosecutor said the cannabis was potentially worth up to £430,000 and added an aggravating factor was the electricity supply had been bypassed. 

Prior to the sentencing on Wednesday, (September 20), Voka and Kadri had both admitted a count of being concerned in the production of a controlled drug of class B, cannabis, and lost their good character having had no previous convictions. 

Mr Ward, defending Kadri, said the defendant had become involved as he was desperate for money. 

READ MORE: Man admits being part of cannabis farm at former pound shop

READ MORE: Cannabis farm at former Poundland in The Shambles

The barrister explained Kadri was an illegal immigrant in the country so did not have the documentation to be able to get a legitimate job. 

He added Kadri wasn't aware of those above him the chain. 

Mr Shahzad, defending Voka, said he had come to England on the promise of better job opportunities, which did not materialise. 

JAILED: Denis Voka (Image: West Mercia Police)

After sleeping rough in Birmingham he was approached by some Albanian men who offered to get him a job, food, shelter and to pay off his debts - the 'job' turning out to be a gardener for the cannabis. 

"He understands what he did was wrong," Mr Shahzad added.

Sentencing the pair Judge Nicholas Cole said: "Each of you knew what you were doing, you were not forced or coerced. "

Kadri and Voka was sentenced to 33 months each. 

The judge warned potentially the pair were now facing deportation but added: "That is a matter for the home office". 

We reported in July staff working in shops nearby had noticed a strong smell of cannabis in the mornings.

Shoppers also said they could smell the drug as they passed the old pound shop which has been empty since the shop closed in March 2020.