An Albanian man entered the UK illegally and set up a County Durham cannabis farm in order to pay off his debts.
In February, Xhejmsi Islamaj arrived in England from Italy, and within days rented a property and set up a sophisticated cannabis farm potentially worth thousands. The 25-year-old bypassed the electricity in the property and spent around £6,000 setting up the farm before being caught.
The substantial grow was found when police raided the Ferryhill home on May 10 and discovered 50 mature cannabis plants that had an estimated street value of up to £42,000. Over 60 immature plants were also found which had the potential value of up to £54,000 when fully grown.
