On 26 February 2013, 130 police officers carried out synchronised dawn raids across south Wales and the west of England in Operation Pristina.[1] Officers hit sites in Cardiff, Newport, Bath and Bristol, made eight arrests and found 400,000 pounds in cash.[1] A large cannabis factory in Cardiff was found and destroyed, and the operation’s leader said the force had disrupted many suspected dealers.[1]
The case closed in June 2014 when Cardiff Crown Court sentenced eight gang members for conspiracy to produce cannabis after a two-and-a-half-year investigation.[2] Officers had seized 7,500 plants worth an estimated 3.5 million pounds, about 25,000 pounds in cash and a Bentley car.[2] Alban Boka received ten years and Ignis Asllanaj eight and a half; both also admitted firearms charges.[2] Adam Musson got five years, Eleri Cosslett three, Blerim Nela three and a half, Altin Boka three years and four months, Julian Deliu three years and Elvis Fikaj two.[2] South Wales Police said the convictions showed it would keep pursuing those who traffic drugs into its communities.[2]
