Two men have been sentenced to prison after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis factory hidden inside a disused fancy dress shop in Portsmouth, highlighting ongoing concerns about organised drug production operating within ordinary commercial properties. The case centres on Emiljano Shehi and Hassan Dauti, both Albanian nationals, who converted the former U Need Us store into a sophisticated cultivation site spanning three floors.
The discovery followed reports from utility workers and led to the seizure of hundreds of cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £160,000. The investigation and subsequent court proceedings have drawn attention to the risks posed by such operations, not only in terms of illegal drug supply but also public safety and infrastructure damage. The sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court marks the conclusion of a case that underscores how vacant retail premises are increasingly exploited for criminal purposes.
With the shop no longer in use, it provided an opportunity for the offenders to conceal their activities behind closed doors, shielded from public view. However, the strong smell of cannabis and irregular electricity usage ultimately alerted authorities, resulting in a coordinated police response. The case has since been cited by Hampshire Constabulary as an example of the scale and danger associated with cannabis factories operating in urban areas.
The Discovery of the Cannabis Factory in Portsmouth
The cannabis factory was discovered in October after officers were alerted by Scottish & Southern Electricity workers attending the property. The workers had been called to cut off the electricity supply to the disused shop and became concerned when they detected a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the building. Their observations prompted police involvement, leading to a search of the premises. What officers found inside the former U Need Us store was a substantial and highly organised cultivation operation.
Police discovered approximately 300 cannabis plants distributed across three floors of the building. Each level had been adapted to support plant growth, with lighting, ventilation, and electrical systems installed to maximise yield. Such setups often involve bypassing standard electricity meters to power high-intensity lamps and climate control equipment, creating a significant fire hazard.
According to investigators, the scale of the operation was unusual for the area, indicating a deliberate effort to produce cannabis on a commercial level rather than for personal use. The estimated value of the plants was placed at £160,000, reflecting the potential profit that could have been generated had the drugs reached the street market. Officers secured the building and removed the plants, ensuring the site was rendered safe.
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The discovery also required cooperation with utility providers to address the illegal electrical connections, which posed ongoing risks even after the plants were removed. Police have stressed that such factories can cause extensive damage to properties, leaving landlords and local authorities with costly repairs once operations are dismantled.
Arrests, Charges, and Court Proceedings
Following the discovery of the cannabis factory, police arrested Hassan Dauti, 32, of Arundel Street, Portsmouth, and Emiljano Shehi, 40, who was recorded as having no fixed address. Both men were charged with cannabis cultivation, and further checks revealed immigration offences. Court documents confirmed that Shehi had entered the UK without leave, adding to the seriousness of the case.
At Portsmouth Crown Court, both men pleaded guilty to the offences. The court heard details of the operation, including the extent of the cultivation setup and the value of the drugs seized. Prosecutors outlined how the former shop had been deliberately chosen and modified to conceal illegal activity, while defence representatives acknowledged their clients’ involvement and cooperation with authorities following arrest.
The judge sentenced both men to 14 months in prison, reflecting the scale of the operation and the associated risks. The court also confirmed that once their sentences are completed, Dauti and Shehi will be handed over to immigration services. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman later reiterated that both individuals would be taken into immigration custody at the end of their prison terms, with further action to follow in line with immigration law.
The case has been cited by police as an example of how criminal groups exploit vacant buildings and rely on anonymity to operate. While cannabis cultivation cases are not uncommon, the size and sophistication of this factory set it apart. Officers involved in the investigation noted that such operations often involve wider criminal networks, even when only a small number of individuals are present at the site.
Police Response and Wider Impact on the Community
Hampshire Constabulary has emphasised that cannabis factories of this size pose serious dangers beyond the illegal drugs themselves. Chief Inspector Sam Warne highlighted the fire risk associated with extensive and often unsafe electrical modifications required to power cultivation equipment. In buildings not designed for such loads, the chance of electrical failure or fire increases significantly, potentially endangering neighbouring properties and lives.
Chief Inspector Warne also stressed the broader social impact of drug production and supply. According to police, large-scale cultivation contributes to organised crime and fuels further illegal activity, including exploitation, money laundering, and violence linked to drug distribution. By dismantling the factory, officers believe they have disrupted a supply chain that could have caused harm across the community.
Police have credited vigilance from utility workers and cooperation between agencies as key factors in uncovering the operation. The case has been used to encourage members of the public, landlords, and businesses to report suspicious activity, particularly in vacant or rarely visited properties. Strong smells, covered windows, unusual noise from ventilation systems, and signs of tampered electricity supplies are among the indicators police advise people to look out for.
The former U Need Us store has since been secured, and investigations into any associated criminal activity continue. While Dauti and Shehi have been sentenced, police have not ruled out further inquiries into whether others were involved in setting up or financing the operation. For Hampshire Constabulary, the case reinforces their stated commitment to making Portsmouth a difficult place for drug production and distribution.
As the city continues to deal with the legacy of empty retail spaces, authorities have warned that such properties can become targets for criminal misuse if not properly monitored. The sentencing of Emiljano Shehi and Hassan Dauti serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in large-scale drug cultivation and the ongoing efforts by police to identify and shut down similar operations wherever they emerge.