Six people jailed for role in organised crime group behind cannabis operation

Six people have been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today (Friday 14 November) following a major investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit into an Albanian organised crime group operating across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

The offenders were convicted for their roles in a conspiracy to produce cannabis, uncovered during an operation by the NWROCU’s Foreign National Offender Team.

Those sentenced today are:

• Tzoni Kardashi, 23, of City View Apartments, Salford was jailed for three years and two months for Conspiracy to produce cannabis
• Arber Hima, 24, of City View Apartments, Salford was jailed for three years for Conspiracy to produce cannabis
• Klajdi Hazizollo, 33, of Bowkerbank Avenue, Manchester was jailed for four years and five months for Conspiracy to produce cannabis
• Enrik Ziu, 37, of Melia House, Manchester, and Fatbadh Shajini, 37, of Lewis Street, Eccles were jailed for four years and four months for Conspiracy to produce cannabis.
• Fatbardh SHAHINI, 37, of Lewis Street, Eccles was jailed for three years and four months for Conspiracy to produce cannabis
• Samanda HAZIZI, 24 of Waterloo Rd, Manchester was handed a 12 month Community Order for Money Laundering.

Prior to this sentencing, four men linked to the investigation had already received prison sentences totalling more than eight years, following investigations by the Foreign National Offender Team and Greater Manchester Police. In addition, another man was immediately deported to Albania after his arrest.

The group was responsible for running multiple cannabis farms, generating significant criminal profits. During searches on their arrest, officers seized a significant quantity of cannabis with a wholesale value estimated at £150,000–£590,000 and a street value between £498,980–£1,475,060. They also recovered more than £33,000 cash.

Detective Sergeant Lee Coulson from the NWROCU’s Foreign National Offender Team said:

"This sentencing sends a clear message – organised crime groups operating in our communities will be relentlessly pursued and dismantled.

“These individuals were part of a sophisticated network profiting from large-scale cannabis production, exploiting vulnerable people and causing harm across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

“Thanks to the dedication of NWROCU officers and partner agencies, we have disrupted their criminal enterprise, seized significant assets, and prevented further damage.

“We remain committed to targeting those who seek to profit from illegal activity and will continue working to keep our communities safe."