Reading drug factories grew 'industrial' amount of cannabis

On February 3, 2021, Thames Valley Police stormed 18 addresses in Reading as well as seven addresses across Blackburn, Sunderland, Birmingham and London, in a major drug bust tackling organised crime.

Several arrests were made and multiple people have been charged and sentenced since. Among them is Vladimir Mardeda and Jahi Holmes who were jailed today (May 12) after a hearing at Reading Crown Court.

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The pair were sentenced for the main count of conspiracy to produce Class B drugs – namely cannabis.

Mardeda, who Judge Amjad Nawaz labelled as have a ‘leading role’ in the operation, was jailed for 12 years.

Holmes was described as have a ‘lower than lead role’ but still played a ‘significant’ part in the operation and was jailed for eight years.

The court heard that Mardeda, 40, of Gower Street in Reading, had facilitated the entry of various Albanian family members and nationals into the country under false documentation.

Properties across Reading and other parts of the UK were then rented out using false identification and turned into cannabis factories.

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One of these properties belong to Holmes, 39, of Pershore Road in Birmingham.

Judge Nawaz described the factories as producing an ‘industrial quantity’ of cannabis which was then farmed and sold on the streets.

Defending Mardeda, Simon Hustler told the court that the father-of-two has no previous convictions.

He said: “He did everything he could [in custody] to improve his position before inevitable sentence. He’s worked hard all of his life to support his family who are dear to him.

“He would like say to the court, through me, two points. He says he will never find himself before the court again.

“He would like to say sorry for all he has done.”

Paul Spreadborough, defending Holmes, said: “He was not an integral part of a huge organisation. He was someone on the periphery.

“He very much accepts his responsibility for his poor decision making and he very much regrets where it’s left him.”

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He added that Holmes, a father-of-five who has 12 previous convictions for 16 offences – some drug related, has gained many qualifications during his time in prison.

“He’s trying to do something useful with his time,” added Mr Spreadborough. “So when released he can contribute towards his family in a positive way.”

The pair will serve half of their respective sentences before being released on licence.