Rudinos Sojati (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
Police discovered a sophisticated cannabis set-up concealed in the attic of a terraced house in Merthyr Tydfil after reports of suspicious activity at the property.
Officers were contacted about a house on Council Street in Penydarren on December 27 last year, following reports of torches being shone inside the property. When police knocked on the door, 29-year-old Rudinos Sojati answered wearing wet trousers covered in soil.
The discovery
A search of the house uncovered a wardrobe concealing a ladder that led through a hole in the ceiling into the attic space. Inside, officers found thermal foil, industrial-grade lighting, and 45 cannabis plants with an estimated value of between £4,000 and £5,200.
Sojati was arrested at the scene and told officers: “It’s not mine. I have nothing in my address.”
Police seized two mobile phones, but Sojati refused to provide the pin codes and they could not be accessed.
Court hearing
Sojati, of Claude Road, Roath, Cardiff, later pleaded guilty to cannabis production. The court heard he had no previous convictions.
A sentencing hearing took place at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday, where prosecutor Amelia Pike outlined the value of the seized plants.
In mitigation, Kathryn Lane described her client as a “pleasant and respectful” person and a “family man” with a nine-month-old baby.
Sentence
Sentencing, Judge Hywel James noted the defendant had a good job, a regular income, and had driven more than an hour to attend the cannabis factory.
Sojati was sentenced to a total of 22 months imprisonment.
