A Paisley man was caught producing more than £100,000 worth of cannabis when cops spotted a “distinctive glow” from heat lamps coming from his top-floor flat.
Xhevahir Mema was snared when police received a tip-off that he could be growing the Class B drug in the town’s St Mirren Street.
And when officers turned up to check the property out, there was a “strong smell of cannabis” as well as the sound of fans and a “distinctive” glow from heat lamps – all commonly used to aid the growth of the drug.
Cops discovered 197 “mature plants” within four rooms, and the loft of the property, worth around £118,000 and almost 15kg of cannabis buds with an estimated value of around £53,000.
Prosecutor Jason Stark told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 1.30pm on February 2 last year, on police attendance, they could detect a strong smell of cannabis and the sound of fans whirling could be heard. A distinctive glow of heat lamps was also coming from the property.
“Due to the fire risk related to cannabis cultivations, entry was forced and, on entry, officers observed a large amount of plants within. The accused was traced hiding behind the toilet door.
“A fully operational cannabis cultivation was across four rooms and including the loft space.
“All growing areas were fully operational with heat lamps, fans, ducts and air filters, all connected to a power box supply.”
The court heard Mema was arrested and the plants were seized which tested positive for cannabis.
Mr Stark added: “At Greenock police station, the accused provided a no comment interview but had previously stated to officers he didn’t want to do the work but was forced to.
“He made no reply to caution and charge and was held in custody.”
Mr Stark explained a total of 197 “mature cannabis plants” were recovered from the flat, each with an estimated value of around £200 to £600. Therefore, the expected value of the plants was between £39,400 and £118,200.
“A quantity of cannabis buds was also recovered.” Mr Stark added. “They were found to be within a drying area.
” A total of 14.78kg of cannabis bud was recovered and the opinion of expert officers is this type of commodity is sold in kilograms rather than the 2g street deal.
“Each kilogram has a value of £3800. Therefore, the approximate value is £53,200 for the 14 complete kilograms recovered.”
Mema pleaded guilty to producing cannabis, a Class-B drug, at a flat in St Mirren Street on February 2 last year.
Defence agent Ruth Wallace told the court Mema was 22 years old at the time of the offence and added: “He has no previous convictions and given the nature of the offence.
“I think the court will require reports. I propose reserving mitigation until they are prepared.”
Sheriff Amel Elfallah deferred sentence for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment until January 31.
Mema, described as a prisoner of Low Moss jail, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, was remanded in custody.
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