Two Men Who Ran Secret Cannabis Farm Using Illegal Electricity Set to be Deported After One Mistake Led Police Straight to Them
Police have jailed two men who were running a large cannabis farm from a property in Bolton, and both are now expected to be deported from the UK after serving their prison sentences.
The case began on December 23 last year when neighbourhood police officers carried out a raid on a building on Newport Street after receiving intelligence that illegal drug activity was taking place there. When officers entered the property, they found a large and fully functioning cannabis farm that had been carefully set up to produce cannabis on a commercial scale.
Investigators discovered that the building had been professionally modified to support the operation. One of the most dangerous discoveries was that the electricity supply had been illegally bypassed to power the cannabis-growing equipment. Illegal electrical connections like these are often used by cannabis growers to avoid paying electricity bills, but they can also create a serious fire risk for nearby homes and businesses.
As officers continued their investigation, they reviewed CCTV footage from around the area. The footage showed a black van arriving at the property several times in the days leading up to the police raid. Detectives were able to identify two men entering and leaving the secured building, helping them trace the vehicle back to one of the suspects.
The van was linked to 26-year-old Leonard Tota. Police arrested him the following day at his home in Bolton. During the arrest, officers also found another 26-year-old man, Ridgan Taga, at the same address.
A search of the property uncovered even more evidence linking both men to the cannabis-growing operation. Officers found additional cannabis plants, sophisticated growing equipment, a large amount of cash, several mobile phones, a suspected list of people who owed money, and keys that gave both men access to the Newport Street building.
Police said the evidence clearly showed that the cannabis farm was not a small personal operation but a well-organised and coordinated criminal enterprise designed to produce cannabis on a large scale.
Leonard Tota, who lives on St George’s Road in Bolton, admitted producing cannabis and pleaded guilty in court. Ridgan Taga, who also lives on St George’s Road, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, being involved in supplying cannabis, and possessing money believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The court sentenced Tota to 14 months in prison. Taga received a 12-month prison sentence. After completing their custodial terms, both men are expected to be deported from the United Kingdom.
Following the sentencing, Police Sergeant Jessica Prudence from Bolton town centre’s neighbourhood policing team praised the officers involved in the investigation. She said the successful operation showed the dedication of local officers in tackling serious drug crime and protecting the community.
She explained that the police acted quickly after receiving intelligence and carried out detailed enquiries that resulted in the closure of a significant cannabis farm and the successful prosecution of those responsible.
Sergeant Prudence also urged members of the public to continue reporting suspected drug activity, saying that information provided by local residents is often vital in helping police identify and dismantle organised criminal operations.
She added that drug supply is far from a victimless crime, as it is frequently linked to other forms of serious criminal activity that can cause lasting harm to local communities. She encouraged anyone with concerns or information about suspected drug dealing or cannabis farms to come forward and report it to the police.
