
Four Albanians, members of an organised crime group that was involved in the large-scale production and distribution of cannabis, have been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison, after investigations revealed that the group had earned over £500,000 between 2023 and 2025.
According to Essex Police, the group, led by brothers Sefedin and Eldi Tafa, controlled cannabis plantations and provided the materials and property necessary for its cultivation. They were assisted by Servet Dobrushi, who organized the sale of the produced cannabis.
At the next level of the group, there were Asterjo Sata and Reols Havalja, who supervised the cultivations and distributed the cannabis and profits throughout the country.
The group's operation was uncovered after an investigation, when police found a cannabis plantation in Aragon Close, Southend, on the morning of August 30, 2023. During a search of the property, 446 cannabis plants, £5,000 in cash and a wallet containing a driving licence in the name of Eldi Tafa were found. A diary found included the names "Alberti", "Sefi" and "Olsi", which was the name by which the group knew Havaljan.
Following the investigation, Sefedin Tafa was arrested in early 2024 in Westcliff. During a search of his car, £1,400 and a video showing a cannabis plantation were found. During a search of another house, over £27,000 and almost 50g of cannabis were found. In addition, 10kg of cannabis was discovered in Caerphilly, Wales.
In June 2024, Asterjo Sata was arrested while travelling from Brighton to Southend, where over £34,000, a gun and two phones were found. During a search of his home, luxury goods and expensive clothing were found. A wider investigation uncovered a sophisticated cannabis plantation in Rochford Avenue, Westcliff, worth an estimated £35,550.
Eventually, the organized crime group was indicted and, after each pleaded guilty, they were sentenced to varying sentences. Sefedin Tafa was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison, Asterjo Sata to 32 months, Reols Havalja to 23 months, and Servet Dobrushi to 27 months in prison.
Eldi Tafa is still at large outside Britain and the search for his arrest continues.