Drugs with estimated value of £3million seized in Tunbridge Wells

Drugs with an estimated value of more than £3million have been seized from a Tunbridge Wells business unit converted into a cannabis cultivation.

Five men have now been charged and remanded as part of an investigation into the activities of a suspected organised crime group.

On Friday 10 January 2025, patrols from the town’s Neighbourhood Task Force followed a vehicle seen acting suspiciously in the High Brooms area.

The car was stopped and both occupants arrested in connection with drug offences.

A search was then carried out at a commercial warehouse in Chapman Way, where constables discovered a cultivation of around 3,500 cannabis plants. Three further suspects were arrested at the scene.

Charged and remanded

Novrus Ceta, 32, of Green Lane, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear as well as Bledar Sinani, 27, Tafani Shpetim, 45, Nikolla Meniku, 40, and Luan Demarku, 29 (all of no fixed address) were charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis.

The suspects appeared before magistrates on Monday 13 January and were remanded in custody.

Their next hearing is at Maidstone Crown Court on 10 February.