Man found hiding in roof in Brandon jailed for cannabis factory involvement

A man found hiding in a roof has been jailed for his involvement in a cannabis factory in Brandon.

Officers attended an address in Twickenham Avenue in the town on Monday, July 28, where they located a large cannabis grow containing 1,209 plants.

Arben Meta (pictured above) of no-fixed-abode was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with cultivation of cannabis.

The 24-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of assault with intent to resist arrest and assaulting a police officer, for which he was released under investigation while enquiries continue.

When arrested, Meta had been found hiding in a box within the roof lining of the building.

Meta appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday, August 27, where he was sentenced to 14 months in prison after pleading guilty to production of cannabis. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Detective Chief Inspector Gerg Moore said: “This conviction is a result of the discovery of this substantial grow, after police acted on intelligence received from the community.

“This was an operation on an industrial scale and the sentence highlights that the courts will not tolerate this type of offending.”

A further man was arrested in connection with the incident.

Arlina Laci, 37, of Sugden Way, Barking, was subsequently charged with cultivation of cannabis.

He pleaded not guilty and has been remanded in custody to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on January 15.