Illegal immigrant jailed after caught tending large cannabis farm
An illegal immigrant has been jailed after he was caught tending a large cannabis farm
Sabian Bejdo opened a rear door when police went to Lecondale, in Leam Lane, Gateshead, in January this year, after being tipped off about a potential drugs factory.
Newcastle Crown Court heard there was no-one else present, and along with paraphernalia associated with growing the drug, police found 164 mature cannabis plants and 213 cuttings.
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Bejdo, 22, of no fixed address, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and was jailed for 20 months.
Passing sentence, Recorder Nathan Moxon told him: "This was a large and sophisticated cannabis grow with a follow-on crop prepared. You clearly had an awareness and understanding of the large scale operation, given the size of the cannabis farm and the equipment being used.
"You had £20,000 of debts from providing for your family.
“The money you hoped to receive was to pay off debts, rather than for an affluent lifestyle.
"Producing drugs introduces more drugs into society which causes misery to so many people."
Laura Peto, defending, said: "He did come to the UK illegally and does find himself facing deportation. He found himself indebted to people he didn't know in a country he was not familiar with."