Albanian man who came to UK illegally in dinghy jailed for 'gardening' Gateshead cannabis farm
by Rob Kennedy · ChronicleLiveAn Albanian man who came to the UK illegally in a dinghy has been jailed after he was caught looking after a Tyneside cannabis farm.
Police officers went to a house in Gateshead, on October 2 this year after a report of a possible cannabis farm. Hyseni answered the door and was arrested.
A search of the premises revealed there were around 140 cannabis plants in three rooms upstairs. Officers estimated the plants were worth around £1,000 each per yield, meaning those recovered were worth around £140,000. The electricity supply had also been bypassed.
Hyseni, 23, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and was jailed for 16 months at Newcastle Crown Court. Judge Tim Gittins told him: "As is often the case, those running the operation and making the real profits have left you to face the responsibility."
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Charlie Thompson, defending, said: "He maintains he was there solely to operate the lights and the water. He had no responsibility for the plants and no ownership of them. He merely watered them and ensured they were getting enough light."
Mr Thompson added: "He left Albania to come to the UK to escape a number of debts accrued there. His debts in Albania did not come from drugs, it was gambling debts.
"He came in a dinghy and he worked in construction in London but he was let go from that role and lost that income and as a result he was homeless.
"He was informed by a friend there was accommodation in Gateshead provided he looked after these plants. In foolish desperation he decided to take up the offer and went to Gateshead to look after the plants.
"He recognises now, having been in the country about two years and having been in custody about two months he has gained nothing in this country and should have faced his problems in his home country rather than running away from them.
"He wants to return home and, of course, he doesn't have the means to do so. He has signed the relevant paperwork to be deported and expects he will be deported after the completion of his sentence."
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