Four men have been jailed (7 August 2023) after police discovered a cannabis farm containing over 800 plants.

• Andi Kola, 30, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the production of cannabis.
• Edi Cepele, 28, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the production of cannabis.
• Erjo Cepele, 28, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the production of cannabis.
• Mikel Xhafa, 19, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders institute for the production of cannabis.

Officers discovered the farm after carrying out a misuse of drugs act warrant on 1 April 2023 on Abbey Road in Barrow. This was a discussed commercial property.

Upon entering the property, officers found Edi Capele, Kola and Xhafa in a living area. Erjo Capele was located at the rear of the property after attempting to evade police.

Within the building officers located 180 fully grown cannabis plants, 500 small plants, 181 drying plants and 18 vacuum bags ready for distribution or collection.

The seizure and investigation forms part of Operation Alliance – Cumbria Constabulary’s ongoing response to protect the county against serious and organised crime.

Detective Constable Ashlynne Elliot said: “This was a large -scale, professional set up in the middle of Barrow.

“We welcome the sentences handed out yesterday and hope anyone tempted to become involved in such a criminal enterprise takes note.

“Our investigations into drugs crime relies on intelligence and information. We would urge anyone who has seen or knows of anything suspicious to contact the police”.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or report online via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.