Ridvan Fangaj, a 25-year-old Albanian national living on Swirral Edge in Washington, was caught looking after cannabis plants when police raided a three-bedroom semi-detached house there on 22 September 2026.[1][2] He tried to leave through the back door but was arrested, telling officers he had worn gloves while working in the farm.[1]

Officers found five growing areas holding 130 plants in total, along with 7.3 kilos of harvested cannabis in bags and £1,760 in cash.[1][2] Fangaj, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and was jailed for 15 months at Newcastle Crown Court.[1][2] His lawyer described him as a low-level “dogsbody” at the bottom of the operation, and he has signed voluntary deportation papers.[1][2]