Six jailed for 13 years for Ipswich cannabis factory

The factory was discovered in Arcade Street in the town centre after a tip-off from a member of the public on January 12, a trial at Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The derelict building used to house the Distinction nightclub, and prior to that Sound Academy.

Police were forced into a rooftop chase as the defendants attempted to flee the premises. 

Judge Martyn Levett said the operation would have a street turnover value of up to £8million and would be capable of producing a tonne of cannabis with 1,200 plants.

Six people, who are all of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area, were charged with the production of cannabis.

The cannabis farm that was uncovered (Image: Suffolk police)

Sander Paloka, 36, entered a guilty plea at an early stage and was jailed for 20 months.  

Kristian Kaza, 28, was given 22 months for his "gardening" role in the operation.

Kristian Lleshi, 28, Florent Tukaj, 35, and Anxhelo Preci, 28, were each also handed a 22-month sentence.

Dorjan Gjorka, 28, was jailed for four years as his role was more significant. 

Dorjan Gjorka, 28, was jailed for four years (Image: Suffolk Police)

In mitigation, it was argued it was a commercial rather than industrial enterprise - however, Judge Levett did not accept this.

On top of this, it was said those involved were victims of human traffickers and that they had ultimately been forced into this operation to pay off debts to those who helped them into the country.

Judge Levett said: “There was a sophisticated set-up. The electricity supply had been bypassed from the roadside into the building.

Police in Ipswich town centre after the discovery (Image: Newsquest)

"Having seen the electricity boards, it had to have been done by an electrician.

“Cannabis was being produced on an industrial scale for commercial use. The quantities involved would have been flooding the market.”

He added: "The smells by the River Orwell are slowly being replaced by the pervading smell of cannabis."