Oxford man caught growing 574 cannabis plants in warehouse

Lorenc Mata, of Lime Walk, Oxford, was tending to the crop at an industrial estate on Kelvedon Street in Newport when it was raided on Monday, November 4, 2024.

The 27-year-old, an Albanian national who has now outstayed his UK visa, went on the run after he was granted police bail following his arrest.

Justice caught up with him after he was jailed for two years at Cardiff Crown Court.

Mata had admitted being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

Lorenc Mata (Image: Gwent Police)

Hywel Davies, prosecuting, said police found 574 cannabis plants being cultivated in a “professional and sophisticated” set-up in 10 rooms over two floors.

The growth could have yielded drugs weighing anything from 16kg to 49kg with a potential street value in 1g deals of between £160,000 and £482,000.

Mata’s barrister Alice Sykes said in mitigation that her client was a man of previous good character with no convictions recorded against him.

She added: “He played a lesser role in this operation as a gardener and I would ask your honour to grant him a 25 per cent discount for his guilty plea at the crown court.”

Personal references and testimonials from prison staff were presented in his favour.

Judge Christopher Felstead told Mata: “This offence is so serious that it crosses the custody threshold.

“The police noticed a strong smell of cannabis when they approached this large industrial unit.

“I suspect you will be deported once you have served your sentence – but that’s got nothing to do with me.”

It was revealed that the defendant would serve 40 per cent of his 24-month sentence, “possibly less”, in jail before his release.

Mata will have to pay a statutory £187 victim surcharge.

There was no application for a proceeds of crime hearing.

The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.