Chestergate cannabis farmer jailed

A cannabis farmer has been jailed after police seized more than 700 cannabis plants from the former Halifax bank on Chestergate, Macclesfield.

Voktot Isufaj, of no fixed abode, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 16 June, where he was sentenced to three years in prison.

The 43-year-old previously pleaded guilty to one count of production of class B drugs (cannabis).

In addition to his prison sentence, he was also order to pay £228 court costs.

The court heard that on Thursday 8 May police were called to reports of suspicious activity at the former Halifax bank on Chestergate, Macclesfield.

The caller reported witnessing suspicious men entering the disused building, along with a strong smell of cannabis in the area.

Police officers attended and discovered approximately 700 cannabis plants, at varying stages of growth, along with heat lighting, fans, irrigation systems, spread over three floors.

Isufaj was arrested at the scene and later charged in relation to the discovery.

Drug analysis experts estimated the plants could yield a potential street value of between £238,480 and £715,480.

Isufaj, who was inside the property, was arrested and later charged.