Two men have been sentenced to 40 months in prison after being charged with illegally producing cannabis.

Damiano Behari, 25, and Eneo Guri, 27, were found in a Darnall warehouse being used as a drug factory valued over £1m.

The were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on February 20.

Detective Sergeant James Dyson said: “Both Behari and Guri made desperate bids to flee the scene and evade detection, but our officers were on hand to detain them and bring them into custody.”

Over 700 cannabis plants were found in the warehouse located on Colwall Street following a raid by South Yorkshire Police in December 2023.

Det Sgt Dyson said: “Inside, we discovered an elaborate set up with hundreds of plants that were mature and worth an estimated £1m.

“It was extremely complex and professional and was one of the largest cannabis cultivations our local neighbourhoods policing team had ever come across.”

The Office of National Statistics reports that cannabis is the most seized drug in England and Wales, with a seven per cent increase in seizures between 2022 and 2023.

Det Sgt Dyson said: “We know that the production and distribution of cannabis funds organised crime, and I’m pleased we have been able to take apart this significant growing operation.

“We were able to execute this warrant thanks to intelligence we received and I would encourage members of the public to get in touch if they have concerns that a property or premises near them is being used to grow cannabis.

“Drugs are a scourge on our society and we will continue to do all we can to wipe them off our streets and make our communities safer.”