Three jailed for having drugs production units

Three jailed for having drugs production units

22 June 2016

THREE men who were involved in a major cannabis growing operation in Castlewellan have received prison sentences.

Downpatrick Crown Court heard last Friday that two cannabis factories had been set up in the town, at Circular Road and at Corry Wood Park.

They were uncovered as a result of police searches in November 2014 and the drugs were later valued at over £90,000.

Appearing for sentencing at the court last Friday were Krzystof Rafal Wysocki (34), of Irish Street, Downpatrick, Martin Gieroba (32), of Church Avenue, Dundrum and Michal Marczak (35), of Irish Street, Downpatrick.

Judge Piers Grant told the court the three defendants were involved in a “signification operation” to grow the illegal class B drug.

“This was a major operation,” he said. “It was sophisticated, it was planned and it required considerable planning.

“It was caught at a late stage, the cultivation process was well advanced. It was a signification operation and required a significant degree of planning and that has to be taken into account.”

Judge Grant added that he would also take into account their guilty pleas, which had saved substantial court time.

Krzystof Rafal Wysocki faced charges of cultivating cannabis and also possessing a false identity document.

He was given a sentence of four years, two of which are to be served in prison and two on licence.

Martin Gieroba faced charges of cultivating cannabis, dishonestly using electricity, possession of a prohibited weapon and possessing a false identity document.

He received a sentence of 30 months, 15 months of which are to be served in prison and the remainder on licence.

For cultivating cannabis and dishonestly using electricity Michal Marczak received a two-year sentence. A year of this is to be served in prison and the remaining year on licence.

Judge Grant also made an order for the destruction of the drugs.