Hartlepool cannabis farmer jailed for 22 months after raid

Gazmend Dini was stopped in a vehicle on Thursday, October 13 last year while he was driving through Hartlepool and a subsequent address search led officers to the cannabis farm.

The 23-year-old, of Brenda Road, Hartlepool, appeared at Teesside Crown Court today, Friday 24th March, where he was sentenced to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to production of a Class B drug.

Gazmend Dini (Image: Cleveland Police)

Welcoming the sentence, Hartlepool Neighbourhood Sergeant Anthony Snow said: “We will continue to tackle drugs supply in Hartlepool, and put those responsible before the courts. Gazmend Dini was involved in the organisation and distribution of drugs and he will now spend time behind bars as a result of his actions.

Read more: Thug attacked man with a hammer before threatening another during drug hunt

“We would continue to encourage anyone who may have information regarding drugs supply in their local area to call Cleveland Police.”

Cannabis plants found in Hartlepool. (Image: Cleveland Police)

Earlier this month, the force carried out a week-long crackdown on County Lines drug dealing resulting in 24 arrests and the seizure of more than £160,000 worth of drugs after suspected dealers received an early morning knock at the door.

Inspector Zoe Kelsey, of Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police, said: “We targeted an address in Hartlepool where we acted on intelligence given regarding drug dealing and child exploitation.

“Sadly, we are seeing young teenagers being used to distribute drugs around the area and that can even cross borders into County Durham and North Yorkshire.

“We have acted on this intelligence to safeguard any children found at these addresses.”

Anyone with information regarding drugs activity in their local area is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.