Cannabis Caper: A Cheeky Look at Clive Weir’s “Large Sophisticated Cannabis Factory”
Well, folks, grab your popcorn because we’ve got a real-life drama unfolding, and it’s far more riveting than a game of Cluedo at an accountant’s convention. Meet Clive Weir, a 56-year-old father-of-six from Hillsborough who seems to have taken the term “family business” a smidge too seriously. Clive transformed his farm buildings into what authorities are calling a “large, sophisticated cannabis factory” – just eight metres from his front door! Talk about a backyard operation!
The Shocking Sentence
Judge Donna McColgan wasn’t messing about when it came to sentencing. After hearing that poor Clive was “extremely anxious” about the prospect of prison — who wouldn’t be, really? — the judge decided to split his sentence: half in jail and half under supervised licence. So, it’s jail time for Clive, but he’ll still get to pop round for Sunday roasts – how lovely!
It’s worth noting that Clive fully confessed to cultivating cannabis, using criminal property, and converting criminal property between February of 2022 and February of 2023. £40,000 profit? Honestly, you’d think he’s running a lemonade stand!
Operation: Casa de Cannabis
When the police conducted an intelligence-led search of Weir’s farm, they found themselves tackling a “sizeable operation” that took them more than a week to dismantle. Seven hundred cannabis plants ranging from seedlings to full-grown beauties were seized! And let’s not forget the 50 kilos of cannabis that made its way into evidence. I’d say that’s one way to spice up your Friday night!
Fuel for Thought
One of the most jaw-dropping details? Clive used funds—but not just any funds. He drummed up £184,536.66 for fuel to power the generator which lit up his secret garden! So it seems Clive was more involved than just a passive observer. Refusing to admit he set “foot” in the factory, his defence team, bless their soul, had their work cut out trying to convince the judge. It’s like trying to sell a vegan burger at a BBQ!
“While the defence do not accept the proposition, the prosecution contend that Weir’s role was ‘at a level equivalent to that envisaged for a manager.'” – Isn’t that just classic? “I was just the gardener!” Sure, Clive. Next, he’ll want a raise for overseeing his “greenhouse”!
The Real Victims
And here’s a heartbreaking detail that tugs at the heartstrings: if Clive gets locked up, his poor flock of chickens are in trouble! Can we please establish a fund to save these wretched creatures? I mean, what’s worse than losing both your freedom and your fowl?
The Final Word
In the words of Judge McColgan, “that is just something he is going to have to deal with.” So remember, folks, if you’re ever thinking of embarking on a dodgy farming venture, maybe stick to planting tomatoes or perhaps start a homebrew operation instead—just less sophisticated, alright? Clive’s saga serves as a cheeky reminder that when it comes to dealing in the green stuff, the only high you might get is the one from the judge’s gavel!
Until next time, keep your gardens clear and your operations above board – you’ll thank me later!
Authorities discovered a “large, sophisticated cannabis factory” ingeniously organized across two farm structures located a mere eight meters away from Clive Weir’s residence.
Ordering a visibly shaken Clive Weir to serve a split sentence of half in jail and half under supervised license conditions, Judge Donna McColgan KC highlighted that it was evident from various reports that the 56-year-old “is extremely anxious about the prospect” of incarceration, especially given his involvement and the significant £40,000 profit made, which clearly established that the custody threshold had been surpassed.
During a previous court session, Weir, a father-of-six residing on New Road in Hillsborough, confessed to multiple charges including cultivating cannabis, utilizing criminal property, and converting criminal property over an extended timeframe from February 1, 2022, to February 3, 2023.
The charges against Weir specify that he engaged with criminal property, particularly funneling £184,536.66 for fuel purchases from Victor Walker Fuels, while also converting illegal assets by depositing £41,495 into a Bank of Ireland account and transferring £132,571.50 into a Clear Bank account.
Following an intelligence-led operation on February 3 last year, which led cops to Weir’s farm, the defendant, who is well known in Free Presbyterian and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) circles, attempted to engage the media to voice his criticism regarding the police operation’s sluggish pace.
Summarizing the case facts during her sentencing remarks, Judge McColgan emphasized that the search was conducted on February 3, but it was so extensive that law enforcement officials took over a week to dismantle the massive operation.
The cannabis production facility was notably sophisticated, featuring distinct rooms dedicated to various stages of cultivation, drying the harvest, and designated “rest areas,” sprawling across two farm buildings just eight meters from Weir’s home.
The operation boasted advanced grow lights, heating elements, and ventilation systems, all powered by a generator that Weir specifically supplied.
Authorities confiscated an astonishing total of 700 cannabis plants at various stages of growth, ranging from seedlings to fully matured specimens, alongside seizing 50 kilograms of harvested cannabis and two Vietnamese brothers, 39-year-old Quy Nguyen and 35-year-old Anh Nguyen, also linked to the New Road area in Hillsborough, who were reportedly acting as “gardeners” for the operation.
The Nguyen brothers had earlier pleaded guilty to charges regarding the cultivation of cannabis during a prior hearing.
Police estimates indicated that the extensive cannabis factory was capable of generating a staggering £200,000 in cannabis revenue each month, although these profits were expected to benefit the larger criminal organization rather than Weir himself.
While Weir’s defense argued he “never set foot” within the cannabis factory, it was revealed that he did procure fuel for the generator that powered this illegal operation.
Judge McColgan clarified that Weir’s profits amounted to £41,495, which represented direct payments made to him by those orchestrating the cannabis cultivation on his property.
The prosecution characterized Weir’s involvement as being “at a level equivalent to that envisaged for a manager,” pointing to his close proximity to the cannabis operation and his role in procuring fuel for its generator, despite the defense denying this comparison.
Although the judge refrained from explicitly stating her opinion, she indicated that the sentencing range for a managerial role typically varies between three to seven years, adding that had Weir contested the charges and faced conviction, she would have levied a four-year prison term.
In addressing defense testimonies, Judge McColgan noted evidence indicating that Weir has suffered from depression and anxiety since his bankruptcy declaration in 2006, which may have contributed to his impaired judgment during the period leading up to the cannabis seizure when he encountered significant family issues.
Earlier during the proceedings, defense barrister Michael Chambers emphasized that Weir was deserving of significant credit for his guilty pleas and pointed out that he hails from a hardworking and respected family.
Weir’s situation is compounded by the fact that he is the only member within his family or social circle with a criminal record, and the barrister stressed that the flock of chickens he owns could not be relocated, leading to the unfortunate necessity of having them destroyed if he is imprisoned.
“That is just something he is going to have to deal with,” Judge McColgan remarked before ultimately sentencing the 58-year-old Weir to incarceration.
In addition to imposing the prison sentence, the judge set the date for confiscation proceedings to take place on January 28.
What factors contributed to Weir’s significant distress during the legal proceedings related to his drug cultivation charges?
In 2013, which contributed to his state of mind and anxiety about incarceration. She acknowledged that these mental health issues were factors to consider in the sentencing process.
Weir was reported to have displayed significant distress throughout the proceedings, underscoring the dire impact the situation had on his well-being. The judge’s decision to impose a split sentence reflects an approach that balances accountability with recognition of the defendant’s personal circumstances.
As Weir prepares to serve his sentence, the court’s decision emphasizes the serious consequences of engaging in criminal enterprises, particularly those involving drug cultivation and distribution. The case serves as a wider warning to those operating within illegal activities, especially in organized criminal settings that exploit individuals for profit.
the judge’s remarks and the evidence presented during the trial showcased the intricate web of operations surrounding the cannabis cultivation, highlighting the significant resources and planning that went into the illicit activities linked to Weir and his associates.
