Corby Cannabis ‘gardener’ jailed for 12 months

A 38-year-old man found hiding in the loft of a suspected cannabis factory has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to the production of a Class B drug.

Klodi Sulka was arrested at a house in Dresden Close on the Danesholme estate in Corby, after officers from the town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a warrant under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act on Friday, February 9, this year.

During the search of the property, officers found Sulka hiding in the loft near ventilation pipes, along with 164 cannabis plants in various states of growth, which were spread across three bedrooms and the garage.

In addition to the plants, which are believed to have an estimated wholesale value of between £43,500 and £57,500, officers also discovered a sophisticated set-up inside the house which involved extractor fans, lamps, and a watering system.

Sulka, who was the sole occupant of the house at the time of the search, was arrested and during his police interview, he told officers that his role was solely as the ‘gardener’ and had been provided with instructions on how to water the plants and keep them alive.

Sulka was charged with the production of a controlled Class B drug – namely cannabis – and appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, February 10, where he pleaded guilty to the single charge.

He was remanded in custody and his case was committed to the Northampton Crown Court for sentencing. On Monday, March 25, he appeared before a judge who ordered him to serve 12 months in prison.

Neighbourhood policing Sergeant Hollie Callaghan, who led the investigation, said: “People may think that the production of cannabis is a victimless crime, but what they don’t realise is those at the top of the chain make very large sums of money from producing and distributing the drug, while often exploiting vulnerable people at the same time.

“Tackling and preventing drug harm is a matter of priority for the Force and we will continue to act on information to disrupt those, often organised crime groups, setting up professional and sophisticated cannabis factories within our communities.

“This is a prime example of how we can work together with our partners and residents to take positive action against issues affecting them and I would urge anyone who has concerns about drug dealing within their local communities to keep reporting suspicious activity to us.”

If anyone has concerns about drug dealing or any other illegal activities, please report it to us on 101, online at www.northants.police.uk/ro or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.