Man jailed after being linked to Long Buckby cannabis factory
Man arrested after trying to flee police by climbing into tree during raid on industrial unit in Long Buckby
A man who attempted to evade police by hiding in a tree next to a suspected cannabis factory in Long Buckby has been jailed for 24 months.
Qani Troci, 39, of no fixed address, was arrested on July 21, 2024, after officers from the Daventry Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a warehouse in Station Goods Yard.
As officers entered the building, Troci was spotted on the roof before climbing into a nearby tree. He was ordered to come down and arrested on suspicion of being involved in the production of cannabis.
Inside the warehouse, police uncovered a sophisticated cannabis grow consisting of 508 plants in various stages of development. Officers also seized a mobile phone and £135 in cash from Troci.
Troci was charged and appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 22, 2024, where he was remanded in custody. He later pleaded guilty to production of a Class B drug at Northampton Crown Court on October 10, but disputed the extent of his role in the operation.
At a Newton hearing on August 27, Troci claimed minimal involvement and was not a key player in the operation. The court accepted his version of events and sentenced him to two years in prison. He was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge upon release.
A forfeiture and destruction order was issued for the drugs, paraphernalia, and phone. In addition, a forfeiture application under Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act was approved, allowing the seized cash to be redirected to the Northamptonshire Community Fund, which supports local charities.
Detective Constable Jo Morris, who led the investigation, praised the public for their role in helping uncover the grow.
“The discovery of this large cannabis grow was a direct result of community intelligence, and I would like to thank the members of the public who raised their concerns with us.
Tackling and preventing drug harm is a matter of priority for the Force, and we will continue to act on information to disrupt those, often organised crime groups, setting up professional and sophisticated cannabis factories within our communities.”
Anyone with concerns about drug dealing or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact police via 101, online at Report | Northamptonshire Police, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.