Two Albanian nationals have been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment after police discovered a large-scale cannabis factory worth up to £160,000 in Portsmouth city centre. Both men pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Hassan Dauti, 32, of Arundel Street, Portsmouth, and Emiljano Shehi, 40, of no fixed address, received their sentences on Friday 9 January 2026 following their conviction for cannabis cultivation at Portsmouth Crown Court.
The cannabis factory Portsmouth court result follows an incident on Thursday 30 October 2025, when Hampshire Constabulary officers were called to the former U Need Us store on Arundel Street by Scottish & Southern Electricity, who were attempting to disconnect power to the vacant premises.
Upon forcing entry, officers detected a strong smell of cannabis. During the operation, one man was spotted on the building’s roof, which could only be accessed from inside the property. A thorough search revealed more than 300 cannabis plants spread across three floors.
Both defendants were arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with cannabis cultivation and knowingly entering the UK without leave. They entered guilty pleas at Portsmouth Crown Court on 1 December 2025. Following completion of their sentences, immigration services will take both men into custody.
Chief Inspector Sam Warne from Portsmouth’s Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised the force’s commitment to tackling drug-related crime. He highlighted that significant resources were deployed to dismantle the extensive operation and conduct the investigation.
The senior officer noted that cannabis factories of this scale are uncommon and present considerable dangers, particularly fire risks due to illegal electricity usage. He stressed that the operation prevented further harm to local communities from drug-related criminality.
Chief Inspector Warne encouraged residents who notice suspicious activity around vacant buildings to report it promptly. He emphasised that every piece of information contributes to building intelligence and enables police to take appropriate action.
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Authorities can be contacted by calling 101 or through the Hampshire Police website at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
Alternatively, Crimestoppers accepts anonymous reports on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
