Albanian man charged over Scots cannabis farm found yards from police station

A man has appeared in court charged with running a cannabis farm just yards away from a police station.

Vilson Gjinaj was detained following a Police Scotland raid on a premises in Saltcoats, Ayrshire.

The property in question, in the town's Canal Street, is a former garage and a stone's throw from Saltcoats Police Office.

Gjinaj was arrested after the cannabis farm was discovered by officers in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3.

The Albanian was held in custody at Saltcoats Police Office before appearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday, Wednesday, February 4.

The 29-year-old, of London, faces two charges - one of producing a controlled drug and one of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

He made no plea to the two charges, which were brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The case against him was continued for prosecutors to investigate further and he was remanded in custody.

No future court dates have been set but he is expected to make a second court appearance in connection with the case next week.

The raid came following eyewitness reports of a strong smell of cannabis in the area.

One local even said they smelled it while driving past the garage with their car windows up.

The building in question was a former car garage in the seaside town, called McMaster Motors.

Police vehicles were spotted at the front and back of the building following Tuesday's operation.

Bags, boxes and other items were left outside the front entrance to the garage, which is around 300 yards from the police station.

And a roller shutter covering the front door appears to have been forced open when officers gained entry to the property.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “In the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February, 2026, a cannabis cultivation was discovered at a premises on Canal Street in Saltcoats.

“A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection. 

"He was due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 4 February, 2026.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”