Brothers with cannabis plants and drugs worth over £1 million jailed
TWO brothers were found growing hundreds of cannabis plants worth as much as £900,000 inside an industrial unit in Pontypridd.
Beqir Vata, 41, and Kujdesi Vata, 37, were discovered running the huge cannabis factory in the unit by officers from South Wales Police, along with 856 plants. The plants were given an estimated street value of between £299,600 and £898,800.
The men’s younger brother was later identified as a result of inquiries conducted at an address in Gloucester. Milazim Vata, 23, was arrested after police found huge vacuum packed bags of cannabis weighing over 11kg under his
bed, which were given a potential street value of £137,500.
Beqir and Kujdesi Vata, both from Pontypridd, were charged and remanded following an investigation by the Mid Glamorgan Organised Crime Team. Both men then pleaded guilty to the production of Class B cannabis, before appearing at Merthyr Crown Court on July 1 where they were both sentenced to 45 months in prison.
Milazim Vata pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class B cannabis. He received a custodial sentence of 25 months
Following the sentencings, DS Lia Jones of South Wales
Police said: “Tackling illegal drug supply on our streets is a priority as this kind of criminal activity has a hugely detrimental impact on our communities. Officers in our unit are determined to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups involved in the supply of drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
“Information from the community is vital in our fight against drugs. I would urge anyone with any information on drug dealing to please tell us or Crimestoppers what they know.”
Anyone with information on drug supply can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.