A second man, Almir Cahani, has been sentenced to over two years in prison for his involvement in a £700,000 cannabis cultivation in Hawick. Cahani, aged 31, admitted to charges of supplying cannabis and producing the class B drug.
During a police raid on the former Buccleuch Hotel in Trinity Street on October 5, officers discovered Cahani hiding in an attic. The building was secured with double doors, which the police had to use bolt cutters to gain access to. A total of 77 kilograms of cannabis and 410 plants were seized during the operation.
Cahani’s sentence of 28 months, backdated to October 6 when he was first remanded in custody, matched that of his co-accused, 41-year-old Dritan Katana. Katana, also from Albania, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and faces deportation upon his release from prison.
Unlike Katana, Cahani expressed a desire to remain in the UK after his release. His lawyer stated that Cahani had successfully claimed asylum in the country and hoped to continue living there. Cahani claimed that he had been forced into a situation of modern slavery and was brought to Hawick by unknown individuals to work as a gardener for the cannabis cultivation operation.
Sheriff Kevin McCarron emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Cahani. Despite the starting point for sentencing being 42 months, the sheriff reduced the sentence to 28 months due to Cahani’s guilty plea.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal drug cultivation and distribution in the area. The authorities continue to crack down on such operations to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. It also sheds light on the prevalence of modern slavery and exploitation, urging the need for increased awareness and action to combat such practices.
Efforts to provide support and assistance to individuals who may have been victims of modern slavery are crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future. By addressing the root causes and supporting those affected, steps can be taken towards creating a safer and more just society for all.