Two Men Jailed After 515 Plant Cannabis Farm Found in Office Building
Two men have been jailed after police discovered a large cannabis cultivation operation inside commercial premises near Northwich. Officers found about 515 plants growing in an office building at Brunel Court on Gadbrook Park in Rudheath, with the crop estimated to be worth as much as £400,000.
Livan Gjini, 27, of Stoke-on-Trent, and Jetmir Grrica, 23, of Crewe, were found at the property when officers entered at about 8.45am. The commercial unit had been converted into a cannabis farm, and the electricity supply had been bypassed to power the growing equipment.
Both men were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing a class B drug. They admitted the offence when they appeared at Chester Crown Court on 2 February 2026. Each man received an eight-month prison sentence. The court also ordered costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £187.
The size of the operation showed how an ordinary-looking business unit can be altered for illegal cultivation. Large cannabis farms often require powerful lights, ventilation equipment, irrigation systems, and a continuous electricity supply. Bypassing the meter creates an additional risk because unsafe wiring can lead to fire or electrocution in units connected to neighboring businesses.
Commercial landlords and nearby tenants may notice warning signs before a farm is discovered. These can include windows that are permanently covered, unusual condensation, strong odors, constant fan noise, frequent visits at irregular hours, and electrical work that has not been approved. A unit may also appear occupied while receiving very little normal customer or delivery traffic.
None of those signs proves criminal activity on its own. Businesses use buildings in different ways, and people should not enter a property or confront occupants. Concerns can be reported to police or the property manager so trained officers can assess the information safely.
The discovery at Brunel Court led officers to secure the building, dismantle the cultivation setup, and gather evidence about how the premises and electricity supply had been used. The case moved quickly from the raid to charges and guilty pleas, followed by sentencing at the crown court.
The investigation also raises practical questions for owners of commercial property. Regular inspections permitted under a lease, verification of utility accounts, and attention to unauthorized alterations can help identify misuse. Neighbors who see persistent and unusual activity can record what they observe without putting themselves at risk.
For the surrounding business community, the danger was not limited to the drugs being produced. Altered electrics and high-powered equipment inside a converted office could have threatened adjoining units. The prison sentences close the court case against Gjini and Grrica, while the seizure removes hundreds of plants and the hazardous equipment used to grow them.
The case also illustrates why apparently vacant or quiet office units still need responsible oversight. A large cultivation site can operate behind covered windows while drawing dangerous amounts of power. Prompt reporting protects legitimate tenants, emergency crews, and the wider community while allowing police to decide whether further action is justified. Responsible oversight matters.