Cannabis farmer found hiding behind fake wall jailed after police dog sniffs him out

A man who was sniffed out by a police dog while hiding in a cannabis factory has been jailed for six months.

Albert Hysaj, 42, of no fixed abode, was arrested after police raided a business unit on Bowen Industrial Estate, Aberbargoed, on Tuesday May 26.

Hysaj was hiding behind a fake wall when he was discovered by PD Asko, who picked up on his scent and guided officers to his whereabouts.

Upon entering the factory, officers discovered 313 cannabis plants inside two connected units spread across three rooms, which included a living area with a kitchen and a bathroom.

Hysaj, who pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, a class B drug, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday July 31.

Gary Rose, 40, from Abertillery, also appeared at court. While investigating, police discovered the industrial unit was leased to Rose.

When officers arrested Rose at his address, they seized cocaine during a search of the property, and discovered evidence of cocaine supply on his mobile phone.

Rose admitted to being involved in the supply of cocaine and in the production of cannabis. He received a suspended sentence.

Inspector Laura Paget, from Gwent Police’s community action team, said: “Every cannabis factory we dismantle helps disrupt these illegal operations, which can often be linked to sophisticated organised crime groups.

“Hysaj tried his best to hide from officers inside the building but he could not evade PD Asko and his amazing sense of smell, meaning we could bring this suspect to justice.

“Our work in identifying and then dismantling cannabis farms stops the onward sale into our communities and prevents the profits from going on to fund other forms of crime.”

Insp Paget added: “We would encourage anyone with concerns about illegal drugs in their area to get in touch, so we can take action.”