AN illegal immigrant who incurred a £12,000 debt entering the UK took up an illicit job as a cannabis farm gardener in order to repay what he owed.

Kreshnik Shpata, 27, was found at a “sophisticated and established” cannabis farm in a fourbedroom house on The Willows estate in Colchester.

Ipswich Crown Court heard the house had been given over completely to the growth of cannabis, with expensive equipment, including lighting units, extractor fans and heating systems.

A large number of plants, with an estimated street value of between £47,600 and £140,000, were uncovered.

Gazette: 'Sophisticated' farm: Police found a cannabis factory inside the home'Sophisticated' farm: Police found a cannabis factory inside the home

During the raid, in January this year, officers discovered 86 plants in the lounge, while 90 seedlings were found upstairs.

The court heard thousands of pounds would have been spent on the operation.

Shpata made full admissions in police interview, telling officers he had entered the UK illegally one year earlier.

Charles Durrant, mitigating, said his client had paid £12,000 to enter the country from Albania and had been told he would earn £3,000 for acting as a gardener.

He said: “He never received any money and his family in Albania were threatened.

“He understood it was wrong to accept the job and offers his sincerest apologies, but felt he had to do it to protect his family.”

Gazette: Police raid: Officers forced their way into the house Police raid: Officers forced their way into the house

Shpata, of Mulberry Walk, Colchester, admitted one count of producing a Class B drug.

Judge David Pugh sentenced him to two years imprisonment.

He said: “Although you were only a gardener, in my judgement you must have had some awareness and understanding of the operation.”

He added: “It is also said on your behalf you were engaged by way of intimidation.

“But I note in your interview when you are asked whether you were frightened of the people you owed money to, you answered ‘No, there’s no reason to be frightened, I simply feel in debt towards them - that’s all’.”

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