Suspects charged after police uncover multi-million pound cannabis grow in Mansfield

Just over 4,800 plants, all at varying stages of maturity, were found inside a disused industrial unit in Botany Avenue, Mansfield.

Neighbourhood, response, and tactical support group officers attended the address on Sunday, May 3.

A dog officer and police drone were also used as part of the operation, including checking for any movement or entry points.

A thorough search was carried out after officers gained entry to the unit, leading to the arrests of six suspects.

They have all since been charged with possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, being concerned in the production of a Class B drug, and acquire/use/possess criminal property.

Those charged are Lanti Avapi, 45; Eldis Beneri, 34; Robert Ruko, 47; Artu Ruqu, 44, and Elton Salihasi, 41, all of no fixed address, and Ardit Gjonaj, 37, of Crocketts Lane, Smethwick, Sandwell, West Midlands.

They appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 5, and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on June 2.

Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We had reason to believe this site was being used for illegal purposes and our suspicions were soon confirmed when we gained entry and discovered an extremely large industrial-sized cannabis farm.

“Targeting drug-related criminality and taking harmful substances off our streets is one of our key policing priorities so I’m pleased we were able to recover such a large amount of illegal drugs, preventing them from hitting the streets, and bring these six suspects before the court.”