Two men who tried to evade officers by hiding in a suspended ceiling at a unit in Coalville have been jailed for their part in the production of cannabis with a street value of over £650,000.

In May this year officers executed a warrant at a building in Baker Street and found more than 900 cannabis plants.

Bajram Isaku and Blerim Kamberi were found by officers hiding in the suspended ceiling.

After an examination of the scene, cultivating equipment and plants with an estimated street value of more than £650,000 were recovered.

At their first magistrates' appearance 36-year-old Isaku of Baker Street, Coalville, and 23-year-old Kamberi of no fixed address, both pleaded guilty to production of cannabis.

At Leicester Crown Court on Monday, June 27, they were each sentenced to 16 months in prison.

A forfeiture order was granted at the same court today (July 6) ordering the forfeiture of money and drugs, which will now be destroyed.

The scene that greeted officers in Coalville when they entered the building. Photo: Leicestershire Police

PC Joel Tarplin was the investigating officer. 

He said: "This was a significant operation for North-West Leicestershire's Neighbourhood Policing Area and resulted in hundreds of plants being recovered and stopped from reaching the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"The defendants' intention was to produce a large amount of cannabis for financial gain and we're pleased they have both pleaded guilty to their involvement in the production of these drugs. 

"While this is a good result we are in no way complacent and know where one gap is opened, another is waiting to be filled. 

"Our efforts to identify premises used for cultivating and producing cannabis remain ongoing and we encourage anyone who has any suspicions about properties in their area to get in touch."

Two other men, aged 52 and 66, were also arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and released pending further enquiries.

Leicestershire Police say cannabis farms can crop up in any residential area, not just in homes but in the back of shops, warehouses and empty buildings.

It is vital the public inform police of any information that will help to identify properties.

What to look out for?

• Strong cannabis odour
• High electricity bills (for landlords)
• Lots of visitors
• Resident only visiting twice weekly
• Vulnerable adults
• Excessive security measures
• Lots of condensation/no snow on rooftops during snowy weather
• Covered up windows
• Buzz of ventilation
• Bright lights day and night
• Plant growing equipment
• Lots of cables and wiring

Anyone who has concerns or any suspicions should call 101 or report online HERE.