Man jailed for role in attempted burglary of cannabis factory
It triggered a violent clash between rival gangs
A man has been jailed for 14 years, for his role in the attempted burglary of a cannabis factory, which triggered a violent clash between rival gangs.
Police were called in the early hours of 3 March 2021, to reports that gun shots had been fired and several people were fighting with weapons in the Hallwicks Road area of Luton.
Several vehicles had also been seen to be chasing and colliding with each other within the vicinity, as well as crashing into a local resident’s vehicle.
The brawl was sparked after a number of individuals attempted to break into a nearby property which was being used as a cannabis factory.
Around 200 cannabis plants across four rooms were found at the address.
A man, who was present in the property at the time, called his criminal associates who arrived at the scene armed with weapons, including a firearm.
After an intense investigation and trial at Luton Crown Court, Mario Canaj, 39, of St James Court, Coventry, was on Monday (1 December) sentenced to 14 years in prison.
He was convicted of conspiracy to produce cannabis, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and violent disorder.
Three men were previously handed sentences in 2023, including Gezim Brahimaj, 38, of Somersby Close, Luton, who was jailed for 18 years and 5 months.
Detective Sergeant Jo Goodson, from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This case demonstrates the sheer determination and resilience of our officers and staff.
“It has taken almost five years of relentless work to secure these convictions, involving painstaking investigation and collaboration across multiple teams.
“The violence that erupted that night was shocking, and we were absolutely committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“These sentences send a clear message that organised crime and the use of firearms will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire.”