First image of cannabis gardener who tried to escape police raid by hammering through roof
Police have released the first image of a cannabis farmer who was involved in a sophisticated operation worth up to £460,000.
Edlir Bani, aged 38 and of no fixed address, tried to flee by hammering at the roof of a unit at the Izons Industrial Estate in Oldbury Road after officers stormed the unit on June 27 following a tip-off.
Officers found more than 500 plants and two cannabis gardeners at the Oldbury unit, where they arrested Bani.
Sentencing the Albanian national at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Recorder Sarah McKeown said: "You came to the UK to find work and were told about a labouring job and offered accommodation. I've heard that you thought it was legal work.
"I accept that you were exploited and had no part in the setting up of the operation. You were not the major player. It is accepted by counsel that you played a lesser role. You have no previous convictions."
