Two Bedford men have been jailed after a police investigation into an industrial unit suspected of helping organised criminal gangs grow cannabis.
Bedfordshire Police surveillance at the unit in Bedford led them to discover the remnants of a cannabis factory at Ylli Bezati’s home on the Meadway in Bedford.
Read: Six Bedford men charged after dawn drugs raids
The police investigation centred on suspicions that gangs were purchasing equipment to grow cannabis, like hydroponics equipment and fertilisers used in cannabis factories.
Erjon Bezati, 34, believed to be a relative of Ylli, was employed under an alias at the business supplying this equipment from the industrial unit.
Erjon used false identity documents to obtain the right to work and open a bank account.
When 47-year-old Ylli was arrested at his home on Meadway, Bedford police discovered the remnants of a cannabis factory in the loft, more than £8,000 in cash as well as equipment purchased from the business Erjon worked at.
A number of other people were also convicted as a result of the investigation led by Bedfordshire Police’s Operation Costello serious and organised crime team, with final sentences taking place last week.
Ylli Bezati previously pleaded guilty to cannabis production and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail.
The seized amount of £8,450 cash was given to local charities.
Erjon Bezati, of Stancliffe Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to fraud and offences linked to false identity documents and was sentenced to seven months behind bars.
Detective Sergeant Tracey Joyce, from Bedfordshire Police’s Costello team, said: “This operation was the first of its kind for us in Bedfordshire.
“Criminal gangs are often sophisticated enterprises that need things like property, transport and equipment to keep making their money from illegal activity.
“We are determined to disrupt these criminal networks and professional enablers of organised crime.
“I hope this sends a stark message to those doing the bidding for organised crime groups: being the middleman does not make your hands clean.
“You are responsible for the violence and exploitation which stems from cannabis production, and we will come after you.”
Jerome Burnell, 57, of Goldington Green, Bedford, and Giuseppe Graziano, 35, of Brickhill, Bedford, were found guilty of encouraging the commission of an offence believing it will be committed and given community orders of 12 months for 140 and 120 hours respectively.
Update: This article was updated at 11:35 on 16 September 2026 to remove defendants who were acquitted of all charges.
