Inside the Oldham cannabis factory that led to prison for three men

The men were sentenced after being convicted of producing Class B drugs at Minshull Street Crown Court. Their combined prison terms total eight years and six months.

Indrid Hysembelli, born 26 June 1999, was sentenced on 27 April 2026 to three years and seven months in prison.

Xhoi Kasaj, born 30 September 1995, was sentenced on 23 March 2026 to two years and three months.

Romeo Tosca, born 13 April 2000, was sentenced on the same date to two years and eight months.

The case followed a police warrant carried out in the early hours of 17 June 2025 at an industrial unit on Bilsley Street in Oldham. Officers forced entry using specialist equipment after finding the building heavily secured.

Inside, police discovered a large scale cannabis cultivation operation with 889 plants at different stages of growth. The estimated street value was put at 986800 pounds.

A makeshift living area was also found, including bunk beds, cooking equipment and a television showing live CCTV from outside the building. Officers said the conditions were extremely poor.

Investigators confirmed the electricity supply had been illegally connected to the mains, allowing large amounts of power to be taken.

All three men were found hiding in the loft space and were arrested at the scene.

Detective Constable Christopher Brown from GMP Oldham division said, “This was a significant and highly organised cannabis cultivation operation, producing drugs valued at almost £1 million and posing a serious risk to the local community.

“Drug dealing is not a victimless crime. It is closely linked to violent gang activity and the exploitation of vulnerable people - serious issues that impact communities across Greater Manchester and remain a key focus of our ongoing enforcement work.

“These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offence and send a clear message that those involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“We will continue to act on intelligence, execute warrants like this one and disrupt organised criminal activity wherever it operates across Greater Manchester.”

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