Man jailed for six-room cannabis set-up after police raid former jewellers

A 31-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 18 months after police discovered more than 300 cannabis plants in a six-room set-up during a raid at a former jewellers in Rotherham town centre.

Sokol Shabani, of no fixed address, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (July 29) after officers from the Tactical Support Group and Sheffield and Rotherham Neighbourhood Teams executed a warrant at a former jewellers in Rotherham on June 8.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Officers entered a property on Effingham Street in Rotherham town centre after intelligence led them to believe it was being used to cultivate cannabis.

“Once inside, more than 300 cannabis plants were recovered from six large rooms.

“Officers arrested and charged Shabani with production of class B drug."

They added: “This sentencing is a positive result of the work on-going in Rotherham as part of the Operation Grow initiative — a ‘Safer Rotherham’ partnership approach with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to identify and dismantle cannabis farms.”

Since the launch of Operation Grow in 2021, more than 100 warrants have been executed and 14,000 plants — with a £14 million pound street value — have been recovered.

Shabani was sentenced to 18 months in prison and £250 which was taken from him during arrest has been subject to a forfeiture order by the judge, with the money used for further Operation Grow purposes.

Sgt Matt Smith said: “Cannabis farms can significantly impact the quality of life of local residents and businesses, as well as often being linked to organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people, who are forced to mind the farms on behalf of gangs.

“Those who are being exploited need our help. By working with our communities we are able to ensure victims are protected and those responsible are prosecuted.

“We continue to urge the public to report concerns to us, and look out for the signs a property is being used to grow drugs.

“You can report online via the SYP website, speak to a local officer, call 101 or speak anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

To report intelligence online please visit https://smartcontact.southyorkshire.police.uk/.