Three men have been jailed for a combined eight years and six months after a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation was discovered in an industrial unit on Bilsley Street, Oldham.

Indrid Hysembelli, 26, was sentenced to three years and seven months on 27 April 2026 at Minshull Street Crown Court. Xhoi Kasaj, 29, and Romeo Tosca, 25, were each sentenced on 23 March 2026 to two years and three months and two years and eight months respectively.

The men were convicted of producing Class B drugs following a police warrant executed in the early hours of 17 June 2025. Officers forced entry to the heavily secured unit using specialist equipment.

Inside, they found 889 cannabis plants at different stages of growth, with an estimated street value of £986,800. A makeshift living area was set up inside, complete with bunk beds, cooking equipment, and a television showing live CCTV from outside the building. Police described the conditions as extremely poor.

Investigators discovered that the electricity supply had been illegally connected to the mains, allowing unrestricted power usage.

The three men were found hiding in the loft space and were arrested at the scene.

Detective Constable Christopher Brown from GMP's 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.”