Three men jailed after large-scale cannabis farm discovered in Oldham

Three men have been jailed after a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation was discovered at an industrial unit in Oldham.

The trio received a combined total of eight years and six months’ imprisonment after being convicted of the production of Class B drugs at Minshull Street Crown Court. 

Indrid Hysembelli (27) was sentenced yesterday (Monday, April 27, 2026) to three years and seven months’ imprisonment. 

Xhoi Kasaj (30) was sentenced on March 23, 2026, to two years and three months’ imprisonment. 

Romeo Tosca (26) was sentenced on March 23, 2026 to two years and eight months’ imprisonment. 

The sentences follow a police operation carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, when officers executed a warrant at an industrial premises on Bilsley Street, Oldham. 

The building was heavily secured, requiring officers to use specialist equipment to force entry. 

Inside the premises, officers uncovered a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation containing 889 cannabis plants at various stages of growth. 

The estimated potential street value of the plants is believed to be £986,800. 

A small living area was also discovered within the premises, containing four bunk beds, a cooker, fridge, and a television displaying live CCTV footage from cameras positioned around the outside of the building. The living conditions were found to be extremely poor. 

An inspection confirmed that the electricity supply had been illegally bypassed and connected directly to the mains at several points, resulting in a substantial amount of electricity being drawn unlawfully. 

During a search of the premises Hysembelli, Kasaj and Tosca, who are all of Albanian decent, were located hiding in the loft space, where they were subsequently arrested. 

Detective Constable Christopher Brown from the Oldham Division said: “This was a significant and highly organised cannabis cultivation operation, producing drugs valued at almost £1 million and posing a serious risk to the local community. 

“Drug dealing is not a victimless crime. It is closely linked to violent gang activity and the exploitation of vulnerable people - serious issues that impact communities across Greater Manchester and remain a key focus of our ongoing enforcement work. 

“These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offence and send a clear message that those involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts. 

“We will continue to act on intelligence, execute warrants like this one and disrupt organised criminal activity wherever it operates across Greater Manchester.”