Police in Hartlepool have seized £12 million worth of drugs and arrested over 50 suspects in a major crackdown on illegal cannabis farms
Hartlepool: Police are on the hunt for suspects after a major crackdown. They seized £12 million worth of drugs, cash, and weapons.
In September 2022, Sergeant Tony Snow led a team from the Cleveland Police Neighbourhoods Team. Their goal was to find cannabis farms in Hartlepool. Since then, they’ve conducted 52 investigations, applying for search warrants and planning operations.
By gathering intelligence and receiving tips from the community, the team arrested over 50 people. They seized £12 million worth of suspected cannabis and other drugs, along with dangerous weapons like knives and machetes.
These drug farms often have risky electrical setups, creating fire hazards for nearby homes. For example, a cannabis farm worth £700,000 was found in a property on York Road in February 2023.
The heat in the production room was so intense that officers had to leave. They even used a drone to capture thermal images of the extreme temperatures.
£350k Farm
Another farm was discovered in Stanhope Avenue in October 2022, valued at around £350,000. Northern Powergrid had to intervene to make the property safe after suspects wired equipment to a streetlight.
Hartlepool District Commander, Superintendent Alan O’Donoghue, emphasized the importance of dismantling these illegal operations. They often lead to antisocial behavior and pose fire risks to the community.
Recently, a large cannabis farm was uncovered on Greythorpe Industrial Estate, valued at about £1.3 million. Five men have been charged and appeared in court.
Some suspects are still wanted in connection with these farms. They could be anywhere, even back in Albania.
34-year-old Gentian Gjergi is wanted for a cannabis farm in Stanhope Avenue from October 2022. 27-year-old Shahini Mishel is wanted for a farm on Brenda Road from November 2023. 25-year-old Kevi Alla is wanted for a farm in Thornton Street from February 2024.
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