Police raid reveals extensive cannabis cultivation in a closed nightclub.
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In a shocking revelation, two men have admitted their involvement in a significant cannabis cultivation operation hidden within the walls of a former nightclub in Peterhead. Iraldo Sarasellil and Ronaldo Abazi, both aged 26, appeared at the Peterhead Sheriff Court where they confessed to growing and distributing cannabis from their base on Queen Street.
Discovery of the cannabis farm
The illicit operation came to light in September of the previous year when law enforcement officials executed a raid on the former Deja Vu nightclub. During the operation, police discovered hundreds of cannabis plants, leading to the immediate shutdown of the premises.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs was around £1.5 million, highlighting the scale of the illegal enterprise.
Legal proceedings and additional charges
Following their guilty pleas, sentencing for Sarasellil and Abazi has been postponed until next month. In addition to the drug charges, Sarasellil also admitted to illegally entering the UK via a small boat from France in July of the previous year, violating the Immigration Act. This aspect of the case underscores the complex nature of the criminal activities surrounding the cannabis farm.
Impact on the local community
The Deja Vu nightclub, which had ceased operations just before Christmas in 2022, was reportedly under consideration for reopening prior to the discovery of the cannabis farm. The property owner, City Centre Pubs, expressed their shock, stating they had no knowledge of the illegal activities taking place within the building after leasing it to tenants who promised to revive the venue. Following the raid, the owners have submitted plans to restore the nightclub, claiming it cost them £15,000 to clean up the aftermath of the criminal operation.
Community response and police commitment
During the police raid, local schoolchildren were seen nearby, curious about the unfolding events. Officers in riot gear, alongside uniformed constables and police vans, swarmed the building around PM, concluding the operation approximately two hours later with the arrests of Sarasellil and Abazi. Detective Inspector Rory Campbell emphasized the police force’s dedication to combating organized crime in the region, stating, “Drugs cause misery in our communities, and we will use all resources at our disposal to disrupt the drugs trade in Scotland.” He also highlighted the importance of public cooperation in tackling such issues.
