Two men jailed for drug offences

Two men from Rock Ferry have been jailed for a total of 27 months today (Wednesday 15 January 2025).

We arrested and charged both men on 20 November 2024 after dismantling two cannabis farms containing 244 plants in Wirral.

Danjel Markaj, 25 years, of no fixed address was sentenced to 12 months at Liverpool Crown Court today, while Pjetri Ferdinant, 23 years, of no fixed address was jailed for 15 months.

Both were found guilty of producing a Class B controlled drug (cannabis).

Detective Inspector Andrew Schofield said: “Cannabis farms in residential areas not only cause a nuisance for neighbours by attracting anti-social behaviour, they pose a real risk to them.

“The operators of cannabis farms tamper with electrical wiring and overload plugs, bringing a very real risk of igniting fires and showing a complete disregard for the safety of residents living close by.

“Nobody wants to live close to a potential death-trap such as this, and it is often thanks to people living in the areas affected who tell us about their suspicions, and the proactivity of our officers, that we are able to take action.

“If you spot any signs that cannabis is being grown near where you live and work, please let us know so that we can continue to take action. Any information helps residents and the work we do, so make us aware and we will investigate.”

Some of the signs that cannabis is being grown are:
- Strange smells and sounds
- Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
- Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
- Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed
- Heat from an adjoining property
- Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather

Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together may indicate something more suspicious.

Anyone with information on suspected drug production or criminal activity in their community can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or come forward anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.