Eastleigh man who jumped over fence to escape arrest jailed for cannabis production

  • ITV News Meridian's Juliette Fletcher reports on the case

A man from Eastleigh who tried to escape arrest by climbing over a fence has been jailed after pleading guilty to being involved in the production of cannabis.

25-year-old Sebastian Lasku, of Nightingale Avenue, was sentenced to 16 months in prison when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 January.

Lasku's guilty plea followed the discovery of a cannabis factory during a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at a property on Nightingale Avenue on Thursday 13 November 2025.

After officers had forced entry to the address, Lasku tried to avoid arrest by running away and climbing over a garden fence, but officers from Hampshire Police quickly caught up with him.

The property was then searched, and approximately 80 cannabis plants were located, as well as twenty-seven 1kg bags of prepared cannabis.

Police say the bags were ready to sell and had a high market value.

Sebastian Lasku from Eastleigh was sentenced to 16 months in prison Credit: Hampshire Police

Detective Constable David Trathan, of the Eastleigh and Hedge End Criminal Investigation Department, said: "I’m pleased that we have once again managed to prevent further harm to our communities from the criminality that surrounds this type of drug-related incident.

"This case should once again demonstrate our commitment to relentlessly pursuing those who wish to carry out crime in our area.

"Significant resources were used to carry out this warrant and the subsequent investigation, something we will do again, as the supply of drugs will not be tolerated in our district.

"Lasku has been held accountable for his actions and placed behind bars, making our communities that much safer as a result, not least because cannabis factories can pose significant risks, including fire due to the way electricity is used."

Approximately 80 cannabis plants were located at the property Credit: Hampshire Police

DC Trathan continued: "This case is a good reminder that if you see anything suspicious relating to buildings in our district, whether inhabited or vacant, residential or business, please report it to us at the earliest opportunity.

"We encourage anyone who suspects drug-related activity is taking place in their neighbourhood to get in touch with us.

"Every piece of information helps us to build a stronger intelligence picture and allows us to take action.

"Ultimately here, we’ve stopped the distribution of these drugs, and will continue to do so, ensuring our district is a hostile environment for drug dealers to operate in."

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