Five members of crime group jailed after police dismantle cannabis factories

Five members of an organised crime group from Lithuania responsible for the industrial-scale production and supply of cannabis have been sentenced to a combined total of 17 years and 9 months in prison.

In May 2023, detectives from the NWROCU's speciality team dealing with foreign national offences initiated an investigation, assisting other European countries where the crime group was operating.

They uncovered a multi kilo cannabis drugs operation which saw the group set up six cannabis farms across Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire, Preston, Wallasey, and Greater Manchester.

A strike day back in September last year led to the seizure of more than 1000 cannabis plants, alongside growing equipment.

Six men appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court 23rd and 24th September after pleading guilty to conspiracy to produce Cannabis.

• Dmitriy Kozlov, 43, of Hathersage Rd, Longsight was jailed for 3 years and 6 months
• Antanas Stacevic, 35, of Phillip Street, Eccles was jailed for 4 years and 9 months
• Ericas Prokopovicius, 35, of Liverpool Rd, Eccles was jailed for 3 years and 4 months
• Daniel Budranov, 29, of Lansdowne Rd, Eccles was jailed for 2 years and 10 months
• Darjus Namirskij, 35, of NFA was jailed for 3 years and 4 months.

The final OCG member, Vytautas Stundys, is due to be sentenced in December.

In addition to these, four men were also sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy back in August 2023, February 2024 and August 2024.

• Romaldas Dragunas, 33, of no fixed abode was jailed for three years and nine months after pleading guilty to production of cannabis
• Jurij Celpocenko, 29, of no fixed abode was jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to production of cannabis
• Victoras Krivonosovas, 46, of no fixed abode was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to production of cannabis
• Ronualdas Bernotas, 33, of no fixed abode was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to production of cannabis (Merseyside Police led investigation)

Detective Inspector Kim Hames-Evans from the NWROCU said:

“This crime group were involved in producing cannabis on a commercial scale. They had a sophisticated set up with all six properties they had converted into growing sites, with ‘farmers’ employed to look after the plants.

“This was an extensive grow and worth a lot of money to the criminals behind the enterprise.

"It’s estimated the crop had a potential yield estimated to have a maximum yield of 75.5kg with a maximum street value of more than £750,000. 

“Most serious and organised crime that directly impacts the UK has an international component. This is due to the fact that the commodities or individuals being exploited are from other countries, the criminals are foreign nationals, or their criminal enterprise is based abroad, making detection and arrest more difficult. Work is ongoing with key partners to address any abuse of the immigration system.

“Today brings the total sentencing to more than 17 years for this investigation. Our message to criminals in the North West is simple – we will work robustly with our regional forces and international partners to bring down criminals who bring drugs to our streets.

“I’d urge members of the public to keep their eye out for any signs of cannabis grows like this.

“If you see any windows which are blocked with either tape or thick curtains, a persistent sound from fans and smells from the plants, report to police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, so we can execute warrants and take other positive action as we have done here.”