Specialist team drafted in to find man after £334k Busby drugs bust

Genc Millosh admitted producing cannabis within an industrial unit at Cartside Works in Busby. 

The 37-year-old claims he was working as a “gardener” at the Fields Road unit in November last year when cops raided the former car repair workshop. 

Over 500 plants were recovered following the raid, estimated to be able to produce up to £334k.

Procurator fiscal depute Jason Stark told Paisley Sheriff Court that Police Scotland received information there was a smell of cannabis coming from the premises at Cartside Works Field Road and so carried out local enquiries and learned of the person responsible for letting out a number of properties in the Field Road area.

Mr Stark explained: “About 2.30pm on Thursday, November 13, police attended and met with the director of the property company. 

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from what appeared to be within the building. Police were also able to see wooden posts propped against the door. 

“The property director was concerned as to what the premises were being used for, so he used his keys to unlock the padlocks on the main front door; however, these did not work.

“He gave permission to police to force entry.

“Police gained entry and immediately observed clear signs of a large-scale cannabis cultivation within a large wooden structure.

“Police then saw the accused, who had popped his head out at the far right corner of the front growing room. 

“On seeing police, the accused made off further into the wooden structure towards the rear of the building.

“Police noted due to heavy rainfall there was water dripping onto the electrical wiring on the electrical meter and water was also dripping on top of the wooden structure. 

“This gave police concerns regarding the safety of the building.

“There was an obvious fire risk and the structure appeared flimsy and wet.

“Police carried out a search as best they could of the ground floor to prevent the now-accused from coming to harm. 

“Officers didn't trace the accused during their search; however, they located a small living area which was in a state of disarray.”

The court heard the cultivation was contained within the wooden structure with plants at “various stages of growth.”

Police Scotland's rope access team were requested to attend in an effort to trace the accused.

The team traced Millosh in a void located at the far right-hand corner of the industrial unit, between the external wall and the purpose-built wooden structure, and he was arrested. 

Mr Stark told the court that cops also recovered 43 fans and 152 light units. 

In total, there were 558 plants, with 249 of these in smaller size. 

Forensic cops stated the plants “appeared healthy and well maintained” and were capable of producing “one to three ounces of saleable commodity.”

Therefore, a total value for the 558 recovered was between £111,600 and £334,800.

Defence agent Gemma Elder told the court her client worked in construction in Albania but work dried up and so he came to the UK “to be able to gain employment and care for his young children.”

Ms Elder explained: “He very quickly realised there was very little opportunity in London and was made an offer to travel to Glasgow for paid employment. 

“Undoubtedly, there was an element of naivety about what the employment was but he was in a situation he had to do what he could to support his family back home.

“He was placed in the unit by people unknown to him and employed as a gardener. 

“He had been within the facility no more than seven days.” 

Sheriff James Spy adjourned sentence until June 5 for background reports to be prepared. 

Millosh was remanded in custody meantime.