Cannabis farm found above takeaway in Maidstone

A cannabis farmer has been jailed following the discovery of a large number of plants above a takeaway in Maidstone. 

Emiljano Barjamaj, an Albanian national, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for producing cannabis and abstracting electricity without authority, after he tapped into the electrical grid.

On 1 October 2021, detectives investigating the supply of cannabis in Maidstone carried out a search warrant at an address in Sandling Road.

Upon entry to the flat, officers discovered Barjamaj tending to a cannabis cultivation and arrested him.

An engineer later attended the scene to confirm the electricity supply to the property had been tampered with so that the cultivation could be illegally supplied.

The plants and associated equipment have since been destroyed.

Sentenced

The 38 year old, of Kingsley Road, was convicted following a trial and sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Monday 11 May 2026.

Detective Sergeant Hayley Chilmaid said:

‘Barjamaj initially denied stealing electricity to cultivate his cannabis crop but was proven to be both a thief and a drugs farmer thanks to our officers’ thorough investigation. ‘Drugs have a detrimental impact on communities, with dealers frequently targeting vulnerable users. ‘We are pleased to have stopped this supply at source and prevented Barjamaj further profiting from illegal activity.’