Police discovered a large cannabis grow in Consett, finding hundreds of plants and arresting two men who admitted to drug production.
The court learned about 493 plants growing on three floors. There were heating, lights, and watering systems, along with nutrients to help the plants thrive. A “drying room” existed for the harvested plants, and the electricity meter was bypassed for free power.
The police found two men hiding in a “cubby hole” on the top floor. Besmir Gjoni and Auerti Grifsha were arrested at the scene. They stayed quiet during questioning.
Neither man had prior offenses. Grifsha is 31 and Gjoni is 32. They admitted to drug production in court the day after their arrest. The case went to a higher court.
Both men were held while reports about them were prepared. The men appeared in court from jail. They are from Albania and needed an interpreter because they did not speak English.
The court heard that the operation could produce lots of cannabis for commercial sale. Lawyers said the men were exploited, settling debts by working there. Judge Mitchell said they were in the country illegally and felt they were exploited by others.
He stated their responsibility was less due to exploitation. The Judge said those exploiting them would face big sentences if caught. They oversaw a large cannabis farm, set up by others.
The judge said others would profit more than them. The men were gardeners. Specialist equipment and stolen electricity were used, showing the operation’s scale.
The judge reduced their sentences from 30 months to 20 months because they admitted guilt early. They would serve about 40 to 50 percent of that time.
After prison, they could be released, but immigration authorities might detain them then. The Judge ordered the plants and equipment destroyed.