Five Albanians charged with firearms and drug cultivation offences after 'cannabis factory' raid

FIVE Albanian men have been charged with drug cultivation and firearms offences after the discovery of a suspected cannabis factory in Birmingham.

Officers from West Midlands Police recovered two handguns, ammunition and cannabis plants worth £115,000 during the search of an address in Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield, at around 3pm on December 31,

Detective Inspector Francis Nock, from West Midlands Police, said: “This is a significant recovery of a large crop of drugs plus two handguns we believe are viable weapons.

“The warrant was conducted by neighbourhood officers on the back of information supplied by concerned members of the public.

“Thanks to them reporting their suspicions we’ve taken two potentially lethal guns off the street and arrested five people we believe are involved in organised crime.

“We really value information supplied by the public and will always act on it, where appropriate, to make communities safer.”

Amandj Hamzai, 34, and Lefter Pashaj, 35, from Manor Road, Streetly, Dhimiter Todheri, 38, of no fixed address, Klajdi Skendaj, 28, from Turnberry Road, Perry Barr, and Alket Konti, 39, from Calshot Road, Great Barr, have all been charged with two counts of possessing banned firearms, one count of possessing ammunition, cultivating cannabis, and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

They were due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today (Jan 2.)