Man jailed after attempted burglary of Luton drug factory sparked gang violence
A man has been put behind bars for his role in trying to break into a cannabis factory in Luton that sparked a clash between rival gangs.
Officers were called in the early hours of March 3, 2021 to reports of a guns being fired and people fighting with weapons in the Hallwicks Road area.
The brawl came after men tried to break into a nearby property being used as a cannabis factory.
Mario Canaj, 39, of St James Court, Coventry, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Monday (December 1) at Luton Crown Court.
Canaj was convicted of conspiracy to produce cannabis, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and violent disorder.
Three men were put behind bars in 2023 in connection with the incident, including Gezim Brahimaj, 38, of Somersby Close, Luton.
Detective Sergeant Jo Goodson, from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This case demonstrates the sheer determination and resilience of our officers and staff.
“It has taken almost five years of relentless work to secure these convictions, involving painstaking investigation and collaboration across multiple teams.
“The violence that erupted that night was shocking, and we were absolutely committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“These sentences send a clear message that organised crime and the use of firearms will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire.”