Gravesend cannabis cultivator busted after hiding over 1,000 plants behind false wall

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The discovery of a false wall concealing over 1,000 cannabis plants in Gravesend has led to a man being jailed for more than four years.

Antony Gjergji was arrested on 4 January 2024 as officers executed a search warrant at a property in Peacock Street.

Whilst inside the premises, constables located a false wall which led to a basement containing the cultivated plants. Gjergji, from Gravesend, was later charged with producing cannabis. He pleaded not guilty and was convicted following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court and on 9 August, the 28-year-old was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Lucy Baker said: 

‘Gjergji was responsible for cultivating a significant number of cannabis plants. He went to great lengths to conceal what he was doing but our officers were able to locate the false wall and this ensured these drugs did not reach the streets of Kent.

‘His sentence is quite lengthy for this type of crime, but it reflects the detrimental impact these organised criminals have on the families and dependents of drug users and also the wider community.’