Milton Keynes man jailed for large-scale cannabis production
Admir Pjeternikaj, 43, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 14 March, following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit
Milton Keynes man jailed for large-scale cannabis productionA man from Milton Keynes involved in an organised crime group producing industrial quantities of cannabis has been sentenced to prison.
Admir Pjeternikaj, 43, of Studley Knapp, Walnut Tree, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 14 March, following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
The investigation began after two large-scale cannabis farms were discovered in Dorset. Further inquiries led officers to identify two more industrial premises being used for cannabis production, one in Milton Keynes and another in Hampshire. Pjeternikaj had been working in a supervisory role at the site in Hikers Way, Long Crendon, Milton Keynes.
Pjeternikaj pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce cannabis at the site, as well as possession of a fraudulent identification document.
Officers raided the unit in April 2023 and found nine constructed rooms lined with reflective material, containing approximately 1,800 cannabis plants. Some plants were between five and seven feet tall, and there was evidence of previous harvests. The estimated annual street value of the cannabis was around £2.2 million.
The premises had been leased to a company named Anel Furniture Ltd. Anton Pergjoka, 40, of no fixed address, was the sole director and secretary of the company. He appeared at Bristol Crown Court in July 2024 and was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for conspiracy to produce cannabis. Pergjoka was responsible for leasing and paying rent on all four industrial units, which together had an estimated street value of up to £20 million.
Pjeternikaj had been working under Mariglen Lleshaj, 39, who managed the cannabis grow at Hikers Way. Lleshaj was arrested by SWROCU officers in July 2024. A search of his home uncovered 65 grams of high-purity cocaine, electronic scales, clear grip-seal bags, compressed cannabis worth £50,000, and approximately 50 cannabis plants valued at £42,000. Lleshaj was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to produce cannabis, possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and possession of fraudulent identity documents.
Pjeternikaj was sentenced to three years and one month for conspiracy to produce cannabis and possession of a fraudulent identity document.
DCI Adam Smith of SWROCU said: “This man was part of an organised crime group producing huge amounts of cannabis for commercial use. We know the profits made by such criminals fund further criminality, both in the UK and internationally.
“Pergjoka, who was sentenced last year, played a key role in enabling this network to operate by renting multiple properties for their use.
“Heinous crimes are associated with the cultivation of this drug, including the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people, and we are committed to bringing to justice anyone involved in this type of serious and organised crime.”
Anyone with information about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing in their area is urged to contact their local police force online or by calling 101. Reports can also be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.