The men – three of whom are from east London – have been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison altogether for growing cannabis worth £100,000 at Globe Industrial Estate in Rectory Road, Grays.
Essex Police’s serious and organised crime unit discovered two large cannabis units at the industrial estate on June 3, consisting of 230 plants at a weight of around 46kg.
Ervin Sadikaj, 34, of Langley Crescent, Dagenham was jailed for four years and eight months, while Albest Deda, 27, of Lymington Road, Dagenham was handed three years in prison.
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Besjan Mustafaj, 32, of Booth Road, North Woolwich was sentenced to four years and Pashk Gjonaj, 32, of no fixed address was jailed for three years.
Sentencing took place at Basildon Crown Court on Friday (October 31).
Detective Sergeant David Crane said: “Drugs are a poison in our communities that destroy lives.
“Where cannabis is being illegally grown and sold, violence and exploitation often follows.
“The illegal trade in cannabis causes a huge amount of misery with the most vulnerable people in our communities often being the most affected.
“We will never apologise for targeting those responsible and bringing them to justice.
“The community plays a really important part in this work.
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“If you have concerns or information about the sale of drugs in your neighbourhood please contact us.
“Even if you don’t see action by us immediately it doesn’t mean we’re not looking into it.
“Your information helps us build a picture of what is happening across the county, it helps us progress investigations and build intelligence and a case which can then lead to warrants being executed down the line.
“It’s really valuable and we’re always really grateful for it.”
