FOUR men have appeared in the dock following cannabis raids in Blackburn and Burnley.
Elton Bakalli, Xhevahir Ferati, Ergys Kerciku and Klaid Caramalau spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and Albanian nationalities during the 20 minute hearing.
None of the men were arraigned on charges of producing cannabis. They will be asked to enter their pleas at the next hearing on March 15. A provisional trial date was set for July 6. Prosecutor, Peter Barr said the charges relate to the discovery of 'significant cannabis farms' at houses in Bolton Road, Walsh Street, both Blackburn, and Cobden Street, Burnley, on January 7.
The prosecution was given extra time to obtain evidence from the police relating to DNA, forensics and mobile phone analysis.
Bakalli, 20, of Rosebank Avenue, Harrow; Ferati, 22, of Mafeking Road, London; and Kerciku, 23, of no fixed address, were remanded into custody by The Recorder of Preston, Judge Mark Brown. Caramalau, 26, of Wolverhampton Street, Willenhall, was given conditional bail.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article