News / Crime
Trio climbed roof of cannabis factory to escape police
Three men have been jailed after a “large and sophisticated” cannabis factory was discovered by Avon and Somerset Police.
The offenders were arrested shortly after climbing the roof of the cannabis farm in Nailsea in a desperate bid to escape police.
The cannabis inside the warehouse at the Coates Industrial Estate on Southfield Road had an estimated street value of nearly £200,000.
is needed now More than ever
Gerald Dosku, 26 of Kettlethorpe Road, Wakefield, Keli Bicaku, 35, and Bledar Bardhi, 32, both of no fixed address appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.
Three men have been jailed over a “large and sophisticated” cannabis factory (left to right) Keli Bicaku, Bledar Bardhi and Gerald Dosku – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
The three men pleaded guilty to a charge of being concerned in the production of cannabis.
They were each sentenced to one and a half years of jail time.
The court heard how on Friday, December 2, officers discovered the cannabis factory following a call from members of the public.
The force sent its specialist drone unit which arrived first on the scene.
In an attempt to evade capture the offenders climbed onto the roof of the warehouse, but the building was soon after surrounded by officers.
The trio made their way down and were arrested.
They were then charged the following day.
The cannabis inside the warehouse in Nailsea had an estimated street value of nearly £200,000 – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
Officer in the case, Michael Clarke, said: “This was a large and sophisticated set up. Drugs, and the crimes affiliated with them, have the ability to cause a great deal of harm and even ruin lives.
“It is great to have been able to disrupt their criminal operation, thanks to the sharp eyes of the local community.
“We would like to thank our colleagues in the drone unit, as well as support from the neighbourhood policing team, for their support during the operation.
“We hope this sentence will serve as a warning to anyone involved in drug production and drug dealing.”
You can report someone you believe is linked to drug production or dealing, by visiting www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/drug-dealing-and-use
All photos: Avon and Somerset Police
Read next:
- Adverts for cannabis appear around Stokes Croft
- Three more jailed after ‘kill the bill’ riots
- £3.5m worth of cannabis seized by police
- Man in his 30s dies after city centre stabbing
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
