Police find drugs farm above shop

A HUGE cannabis farm was uncovered by police after an Albanian crime gang broke into an unoccupied Gateshead flat, a court heard.

Denis Loka, 22, Marsel Tushollari, 42, Kreshnik Xhaferi, 41, and Kristo Pocaj, 31, travelled to the region on November 29 last year to break into a flat above a newsagent, but Newcastle Crown Court heard they were spotted by a neighbour.

Officers entered the flat and discovered it was being used as a cannabis farm, the court was told.

Recorder Christopher Rose said: “I’m quite satisfied that the targeting of a professionally setup cannabis farm by individuals who lived well out of the region demonstrates a significant degree of planning and organisation.”

The court heard Loka, Tushollari and Xhaferi had no previous convictions, while Pocaj had two convictions related to supplying drugs.

All four men pleaded guilty to burglary, with Loka, Tushollari and Xhaferi sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. Pocaj was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.