NEIGHBOURS SNIFF OUT CANNABIS FACTORY

‘SOPHISTICATED GROWING OPERATION’ BROKEN UP AFTER NEIGHBOURS TOLD OFFICERS ABOUT SMELL OF CANNABIS

AN ILLEGAL immigrant was caught in a house full of cannabis plants when neighbours at home during lockdown complained to the police about the strong smell of the drug.

Reviol Capo came to the UK from Albania hoping for a better life – but has ended up behind bars.

The 34-year-old was recruited to work as a gardener in the fourbedroom rented property in Adlington Road, Oadby.

However, the police responded to complaints about the smell of cannabis before the crop was harvested, said Tony Stanford, prosecuting. Officers recovered 168 plants from various rooms on Friday, April 24.

Capo, who was arrested at the scene, pleaded guilty to cannabis production.

Appearing at Leicester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 15 months in jail.

Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: “This was a sophisticated growing operation with ventilation fans and illegally abstracted electricity.

“You weren’t the organiser and played a lesser role as a gardener – and were the only person to be found there.

“Those involved in cannabis houses like this are quite frequently before the courts, particularly when people from overseas have entered the country illegally with the intention of working illegally to send money back home.

“While one can sympathise with matters, such as parents being ill, entering the country illegally is bad enough, let alone getting involved in producing cannabis with a street value that could have been well over £100,000.

“There were 168 healthy plants in various stages of growth.

“It’s said you needed the money and found yourself in circumstances where you ended up working there for a short period.

“You must understand that illegal drugs have huge consequences for the people who take them – and you were playing your part in helping to flood the market with cannabis.

“The police entered the address

because neighbours complained about the smell of cannabis.

“It’s fair to say you were cooperative when arrested, but gave a no comment interview.

“There has to be a deterrent sentence so that others who may hear of your case may be put off from doing the same.”

Digby Johnson, mitigating, said: “After entering the country illegally he joined the Albanian community in Manchester and was offered work in Leicester.

“He was told it would be security work and wasn’t given any details.

“He accepted, not realising what was involved until he arrived.

“He wasn’t threatened or held prisoner, but the circumstances he found himself in were difficult and he needed the money.

“The accommodation was free and he was to be paid £500 to stay in the property for 10 weeks, until the end of May.”

Mr Johnson said the defendant wasn’t responsible for abstracting the electricity.

He said: “The money he spent coming to the UK to better himself has all gone and he will be going back to Albania sooner rather than later.

“He set off with the intention of sending money home, but failed.”

Capo, who appeared in court via a video link from prison, said through an Albanian interpreter: “I just want to apologise for the harm I caused others.

“I didn’t know in the beginning what it was going to be.”