Two Albanian nationals were sentenced after the NCA found 9kg of cannabis and more than £51,000 in cash at a Birmingham home.

A Birmingham couple have been jailed after National Crime Agency investigators uncovered large quantities of cannabis and more than £51,000 in cash hidden throughout their home.

Kristian Lleshi, 35, and Xhulijana Trimi, 29, both Albanian nationals, were arrested during a raid at a property on Cornbrook Road in Shenley Green in September 2025.

When officers searched the house, they discovered around nine kilograms of cannabis concealed in several locations. Seven kilograms were found inside vacuum-sealed packages hidden in two large bin bags in the loft, while a further two kilograms were recovered from a TK Maxx bag on the landing.

Investigators also uncovered £51,450 in cash stashed throughout the property. The money was hidden in locations including bedside tables, wardrobes, bags, a wallet and even inside a protein shake container.

Alongside the drugs and cash, officers seized a number of luxury items, including gold jewellery, designer handbags and high-end footwear.

Both were arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and money laundering offences. During questioning, Lleshi declined to answer investigators’ questions.

Trimi denied any knowledge of the drugs or cash. She told investigators she had only known Lleshi for a few months through their work at a car wash in Banbury and claimed the pair were not in a relationship.

However, investigators found evidence that contradicted her account. Social media posts showed the couple had been together since at least 2023, including comments exchanged on photographs taken during a trip to Cornwall. Officers also recovered receipts showing luxury goods had been purchased directly from Selfridges using cash, undermining claims that the items had been bought second-hand through online marketplaces.

The investigation led to another significant discovery. Officers later identified a cannabis farm at a property in Dudley, where plants with an estimated street value of £78,000 were seized and destroyed. Enquiries linked to that grow operation remain ongoing.

Lleshi and Trimi both admitted the offences at Birmingham Crown Court. On June 24, 2026, Lleshi was sentenced to two years and two months in prison, while Trimi received an 18-month prison sentence.

Following the sentencing, the NCA said the evidence gathered during the investigation demonstrated that both defendants were involved in the criminal activity uncovered at the property.

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Albanian Couple Jailed After Cannabis and Cash Raid