Westcliff: Man jailed after investigation into cannabis farm

A man caught attempting to flee a cannabis farm housing almost 200 plants has been jailed.

Arber Tota, 28, of no fixed address, admitted to his role producing cannabis after a warrant was executed at an address in Westcliff on Tuesday 13 February.

Once inside, officers located Tota within a bedroom, catching him as he tried to flee through an open window.

The property featured four rooms set up to facilitate a significant cannabis grow, with 178 plants at various stages of growth discovered.

Drug experts found the total yield of this crop to be 15kg of cannabis, with a wholesale worth of £52,500.

Tota was charged with and admitted producing a controlled drug of Class B.

Appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 13 March, he was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment.

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