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.
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After his arrest, Islamaj, of Rennie Street, Ferryhill, admitted that he'd entered the country illegally with the sole purpose of setting up the cannabis farm so that he could pay off debts. He has now been jailed and will likely be deported back to Italy.
On Friday, Islamaj appeared at Durham Crown Court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for cannabis production and a charge relating to the bypassing of electricity. He had pleaded guilty to the charges and required an Albanian interpreter throughout proceedings.
The court heard that on May 10 this year, police raided a Ferryhill home shortly before 10am and found the cannabis farm. Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said: "Officers forced the front door and the defendant ran out of the back door and was promptly arrested. The house had been converted into a sophisticated cannabis grow.
"Plants were growing in all three bedrooms of the property and there were 115 plants found in total. The electricity meter had also been bypassed."
A total of 50 mature plants were found which had an estimated street value of between £14,000 and £42,000. A total of 65 immature plants were discovered, and if they'd reached maturity had an estimated street value of up to £54,000.
The court heard that Islamaj made "full admissions" in interview and explained he entered the country illegally in February 2023. Mr Dryden said: "He had rented the property on February 14 and the sole purpose of renting was to build a cannabis farm so he could pay off debts. All bills found were in his name and he accepted he bypassed the electricity meter. He said it cost £6,000 to set up the farm."
Chris Morrison, defending, said Islamaj made "no resistance when arrested and offered no silly story". He said he was a man of good character and has a young family living in Venice.
Mr Morrison added: "He just wants to be back with his family and bitterly regrets the foolish enterprise."
Sentencing Islamaj, Recorder Jamie Hill KC said he was "likely to make a lot of money" from the farm and said he expects him to be automatically deported back to Italy after serving part of his sentence. Islamaj was jailed for 18 months.
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