An illegal Albanian immigrant tended to a County Durham cannabis farm in order to repay a debt to those who smuggled him into the UK.
Riza Hasa had been in the UK for around three months after arriving in the country by boat and was given temporary accommodation in a hotel. But the 27-year-old "absconded" from the hotel after a man offered him to work at a cannabis farm in Trimdon. Hasa was then taught how to look after the cannabis plants before police raided the farm on October 23 this year and arrested him near the property.
Hasa, of no fixed address, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Monday via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for producing cannabis. He pleaded guilty to the charge at the hearing through an interpreter.
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The court heard police went to St Aidan's Terrace in Trimdon following reports from neighbours of a "disturbance". Robin Turton, prosecuting, said: "When officers arrived they found the front door kicked in and inside a cannabis grow was discovered. It included timed lights with reflectors, fans and a carbon filter. In the living room were 24 mature plants, in the large bedroom were 35 mature plants, and in the small bedroom were 33 immature plants. In the loft there were 25 immature plants."
Mr Turton added that the kitchen of the property was being used a living area with a single bed and Hasa was arrested nearby. He said: "He was interviewed and he said he was an Albanian national who is illegally in the country." The court was told Hasa expected to be paid between £1,000 and £2,000 to tend to the cannabis.
Martin Scarborough, defending, said: "Unfortunately, this defendant's case is becoming a familiar one that the courts are hearing about. Prior to his arrest he had been in the UK for around three months, having arrived by boat. He came to England to find work and a debt was owed to those who facilitated his arrival into the UK via that boat. He was taken to a detention centre by the Border Force then to a hotel. He was then approached by a Pakistani gentleman who said he could get him work and he was taken to the address where he was arrested."
Mr Scarborough added: "The defendant says the farm was already set up and had been there two weeks prior to his arrest. He was shown how to look after the plants and the man would check up on him from time to time. His wife and mother are still living in Albania and he wishes to return back there once he has served his sentence."
Sentencing Hasa, Judge Jo Kidd said: "You entered the UK as an illegal immigrant having paid people smugglers money in order to travel. You were not a refugee, you made a commercial decision to take money in order to pay back a debt. You had been provided with hotel accommodation in the UK but you chose to abscond and were brought to the North East to produce cannabis."
Judge Kidd added: "You expected payment as a result of your work. There is nothing to suggest you were more seriously involved in organised crime." Hasa was jailed for 21 months and the Home Office may choose to deport him upon release.
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