East London Men Jailed for Cannabis Operation in Grays

Key Points

• Four men, three from East London, sentenced to over 14 years collectively for growing cannabis worth £100,000.
• The cannabis was found at Globe Industrial Estate, Rectory Road, Grays.
• Essex Police’s serious and organised crime unit discovered 230 plants weighing around 46kg on June 3.
• Ervin Sadikaj (34) of Langley Crescent, Dagenham received four years and eight months.
• Albest Deda (27) of Lymington Road, Dagenham was sentenced to three years.
• Besjan Mustafaj (32) of Booth Road, North Woolwich got four years.
• Pashk Gjonaj (32), with no fixed address, received three years.
• Detective Sergeant David Crane emphasised the social harm caused by illegal cannabis and the importance of community cooperation in crime prevention.

How were the men caught and what was discovered?

As reported by the Facebook page of Essex Police on 1 November 2025, specialist officers from the serious and organised crime unit arrested seven men after a major raid on 3 June 2025 at the Globe Industrial Estate in Grays, Essex. The police uncovered two large cannabis growing operations comprising 230 plants with a total weight of about 46 kilograms, equating to cannabis valued at approximately £100,000. This operation formed part of a wider crime investigation focused on dismantling drug cultivation on the estate.

According to a Nub News report dated 4 June 2025, armed police executed the warrant shortly after 6 pm, targeting industrial units where they found three cannabis growing sites. Seven arrests were made at the time, and extensive searches revealed not only cannabis plants but also vehicle components and intact vehicles stored at the premises. All those in custody were held on suspicion of drug and firearm offences. Chief Inspector Tony Atkin reassured the local community that the operation was carefully planned to avoid public risk while underlining Essex Police’s continued commitment to removing criminals from the streets.

Who are the men sentenced and what penalties did they receive?

From Essex Police’s official statement and court sentencing information as reported on social media and local news outlets:

• Ervin Sadikaj, aged 34 of Langley Crescent, Dagenham, was sentenced to four years and eight months’ imprisonment.
• Albest Deda, aged 27 of Lymington Road, Dagenham, was sentenced to three years.
• Besjan Mustafaj, aged 32 from Booth Road, North Woolwich, received a four-year sentence.
• Pashk Gjonaj, aged 32 and of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years.

Together, these four men were sentenced to more than 14 years combined for their roles in growing cannabis at the Grays industrial unit.

What did authorities say about the impact of cannabis and this raid?

Detective Sergeant David Crane provided a statement quoted on the Essex Police Facebook page:

“Drugs are a poison in our communities that destroy lives. Where cannabis is being illegally grown and sold, violence and exploitation often follows.”

He further highlighted that the illegal cannabis trade causes significant harm, particularly affecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Crane emphasised the police commitment to justice:

“We will never apologise for targeting those responsible and bringing them to justice. The community plays a really important part in this work.”

He encouraged locals with concerns or information about drug sales to contact the police, reassuring that investigations may take time but are ongoing, stating,

“Even if you don’t see action by us immediately it doesn’t mean we’re not looking into it.”

He stressed that community intelligence aids the police in building cases that lead to arrests and warrants.

How does this case fit into broader drug enforcement efforts locally?

This cannabis bust reflects broader efforts by Essex Police and UK law enforcement to combat organised crime and drug trafficking, which often intertwine with violence and exploitation. Similar operations, such as Operation Venetic which involved tackling international drug smuggling rings including cannabis shipments, highlight a coordinated approach to disrupting illegal drug networks.

In June 2025, police operations in Grays and surrounding Essex areas, involving helicopters and armed units, demonstrated a serious effort to dismantle drug operations. These actions aim to protect communities by targeting not only growers but also traffickers and organised crime groups.

What were the community’s reactions and the police assurances?

Police officers involved took care to assure the Grays community that these interventions are measured and prioritise public safety. Chief Inspector Tony Atkin explained this was a professional and targeted operation with no wider risk to the public. Such reassurances seek to maintain community confidence while highlighting the role residents play in reporting suspicions.

Cordially appealing to the public, Detective Sergeant Crane asked for ongoing cooperation, recognising that public intelligence is vital for sustained success against drug offences that harm local areas.