‘THE GIFT that kept on giving’ – that is how a Warwickshire Police detective described an investigation where a trail of evidence led to the discovery of four properties in Rugby and Coventry being used for the production and distribution of cannabis.
Five men have been jailed for their part in the enterprise, and cannabis with a value of £162,000 was seized, following an investigation by Rugby Serious and Organised Crime Team.
Last September, detectives went to a house in Grosvenor Road in Rugby after receiving reports that cannabis was being produced there.
While there, they heard the humming of fans, saw the blinds and curtains were shut and smelt cannabis – prompting them to force entry to the house, where they found the three bedrooms and the loft had been adapted to grow 82 cannabis plants.
They also found used bags of soil and stripped plants that suggested a crop had recently been harvested and shipped out.
Coventry men Miklovan Myrtaj, 33, and Rexhino Myrtaj, 27, both of Bedford Street, and Laurenc Mingai, 30, of North Street, were all arrested in the house.
Analysis of their mobile phones showed regular deliveries were being made to a flat in Bedford Street, Coventry. Detectives went to the address where they found Martin Myrtaj, 25, and seized more than £15,000 in cash.
While they were at the flat, Klajdi Agalliu, 23, of Walsgrave Road, showed up and rang the buzzer. He was detained and a search of his car uncovered a receipt for equipment that could be used to produce cannabis and a utility bill for a house in Torrington Avenue, Coventry.
Detectives went to the house in Torrington Avenue, where they found 32 mature cannabis plants drying in the loft along with cannabis growing equipment.
Analysis of Mingai’s phone showed he had made 83 visits to Richmond Street in Coventry. Enquiries with neighbours identified a house they suspected was being used to grow cannabis. A search of the house led to the discovery of 119 cannabis plants.
Across the three houses cannabis with a value of £162,000 was seized.
After pleading guilty to production of cannabis, Miklovan Myrtaj was jailed for 58 weeks, Mingai for a year, and Agalliu for three months.
Rexhino Myrtaj was jailed for a year after pleading guilty to production of cannabis and possession of cocaine, and Martin Myrtaj was jailed for a year after pleading guilty to possession of criminal property.
Det Sgt Tom Quinlan from Rugby Serious and Organised Crime Team said: “This investigation was very much the gift that kept on giving with a trail of evidence leading to four properties being used for criminal enterprise.
“We recognise the impact the production of cannabis has on our communities and the concern it causes residents. We are committed to doing all we can to disrupt the activity of those involved in this trade.
“We will continue to take action against those producing cannabis and I urge members of the public with information to contact us.”
Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101 to report concerns around drugs. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
