A man who orchestrated a 12-year operation selling cannabis-based products throughout the UK has been sentenced to prison. Amrit Pal, based in Leicester, admitted his involvement in producing and distributing these items, running what law enforcement termed a “highly organized” illicit enterprise.
The products in question were marketed as remedies for hair loss and skin conditions, with influencers on social media employed to endorse them. Amrit Pal, 34 years old, residing in Brent Knowle Gardens, Leicester, has been handed an eight-year jail term by the city’s crown court.
Leicestershire Police intercepted packages containing cannabis and THC-infused products in Northamptonshire in March 2020. Upon investigation, they discovered a substantial collection of promotional videos and images showcasing cannabis production in Pal’s possession.
At two locations in Leicester, authorities seized drugs valued at over £172,000 on the street. Many times, Pal touted these products as having medicinal properties.
Law enforcement estimated Pal’s earnings to exceed £800,000 over the 12-year period, which he squandered on luxury hotels, extravagant vacations, and high-end clothing.
Following his guilty plea during an earlier hearing, Pal received his sentence on Wednesday. His charges included producing and distributing class B drugs from July 2011 to February 2023.
Another individual, Manjeet Behal, was associated with Pal during the inquiry. Police found cannabis plants and cultivation equipment at Behal’s residence on Uppingham Road, Leicester. Behal, aged 36, admitted to producing and distributing class B drugs and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
Detective Constable Owen Bird disclosed that officers had meticulously examined more than 5,000 images and 600 videos spanning 12 years. Despite being under police investigation, Pal persisted in his criminal activities, disregarding the health risks posed to his customers. Bird concluded that Pal displayed a blatant lack of concern for the consequences of his actions.
