Albanian man jailed after £51k cannabis farm found in Paisley flats

We previously reported that Klejdi Visha was snared when police received information in January that a strong smell of cannabis was coming from within a flat in Espedair Street. 

Cops had to force entry into the flat and when they entered they discovered a cannabis cultivation and a hole in the wall leading to the next door flat where the cultivation continued. 

They also found the 25-year-old in a bedroom alongside fans, air filters, thermometers and water tanks.

Visha, described as a prisoner of Low Moss prison, Bishopbriggs, admitted to being concerned in the production of Class B drug, cannabis.

Procurator fiscal depute Ms O’Connor previously told Paisley Sheriff Court: “About 1.40pm on January 22, police attended at flat 1/1, 8 Espedair Street, in response to an anonymous call from a member of the public that there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from within. 

“At this time police were aware of recent information that there was a cannabis cultivation within flat 1/1.

“Upon arrival police became aware of a strong smell of cannabis and the sound of fans running coming from flat 1/1. 

“They noted the view through the letter box blocked by a wooden structure. 

“Due to the fire risks associated with cannabis cultivations and threat this posed to other residents within the block of flats, police forced entry to the property. 

“On entering, they immediately discovered a cannabis cultivation, as well as a man-made hole in the wall that separated flats 1/1 and 1/2. 

“The police witnesses entered flat 1/2 through the hole and discovered the cultivation continued in this flat. 

“The accused was found within the bedroom area. He was arrested and taken to Greenock police station.”

The town’s court heard a total of 85 cannabis plants were recovered from both properties. 

The plants were “healthy and well maintained.” 

It was estimated the plants had the potential to realise between £17,000 and £51,000. 

Defence agent Mr Murphy told the town’s court a criminal justice social work report had been prepared which outlines his client’s position. 

He added: “He is sorry for what has happened.”

Sheriff Amel Elfallah stated: “This was a large quantity of cannabis.

“It was a large cultivation. 

“In the circumstances there is no alternative to custody.”

Sheriff Elfallah jailed Visha for 20 months, reduced from 30 months to reflect his early guilty plea.

His sentence was backdated to his date of remand on January 23.