Two charged after cannabis factory discovered in Bushey

Two people were charged and remanded into custody after a large quantity of cannabis was discovered in Bushey this week.

Acting on intelligence, officers from the Operation Scorpion team located a vehicle of interest in the area, which had a box of cannabis plants inside.

Further enquiries led them to a nearby address, where a search was conducted, and 5,885 juvenile cannabis plants were found.

Two men were arrested and charges were subsequently secured by the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit:

• Christian Gaoka, aged 23, of no fixed address, was charged with supply of Class B cannabis, cultivation of Class B cannabis and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
• Eraldo Lleshi, aged 19, of Steeplands in Bushey, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class B cannabis and cultivation of cannabis.

They were remanded into custody and appeared before Hatfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 18 December) where the case was adjourned until Wednesday 15 January, to be heard at St Albans Crown Court.

Both defendants will be remaining in prison until then.

PC Joe Geeson, from the Hertsmere Operation Scorpion team: “Drugs and the criminality often associated with them causes fear among local communities and I hope this serves as a warning that we are out there continuing to identify anyone suspected to be involved.

“If you have any information about drug crime, please report it to us. Every call gives us the information we need to build intelligence and take action.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

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