In a landmark case, Jeremy Southgate, 63, a landlord operating in Hull, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in a sophisticated cannabis growing operation that raked in £11.4 million annually. The sentencing followed a nine-week trial during which Southgate was found guilty of conspiring to produce class B drugs, money laundering, and fraud.
Southgate’s modus operandi included installing ghost tenants in at least 17 of his 70+ properties in Hull, transforming them into cannabis growing factories. To further conceal his illicit activities, he operated a fake estate agent shop in the city. The drug operation involved the collaboration of estate agent Florjan Kasaj, who was also sentenced to seven years in prison.
The investigation unfolded when police discovered £74,000 worth of cannabis plants in one of Southgate’s properties, prompting raids on 15 locations across the city. Additionally, £50,000 worth of drugs were found on Southgate’s boat, docked in Hull Marina.
The cannabis factories were staffed by illegal immigrants from Albania, signalling Southgate’s involvement with an Eastern European gang since September 2019. The extensive police operation resulted in the sentencing of Southgate and several accomplices.
During the trial, Judge Mark Bury acknowledged that while Southgate was not the head of the organized crime group, he played an active role and stood to gain a substantial financial advantage. The judge noted Southgate’s links to other individuals within the criminal network.
Florjan Kasaj received a seven-year prison sentence, while Darden Mrishaj was sentenced to three years, Ervis Mrishaj to five and a half years, and Enver Rrushi to three years.
Detective Constable Karen Smith of Humberside Police emphasized the significance of dismantling the criminal network, stating, “By stopping this gang’s activities, we have prevented significant amounts of Class B drugs from flooding our streets.” The investigation and subsequent disruption were described as lengthy and complex, but ultimately successful in neutralizing the organized crime group.