An illegal immigrant from Albania, Abaz Skana, aged 30, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being apprehended for managing a cannabis farm valued at approximately £51,000 in Wolverhampton. The case came to light after a maintenance worker raised concerns when he was denied access to the property located on Victoria Road, Bradmore, on October 11 last year.

According to evidence presented at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the maintenance worker was there to address gutter repairs on behalf of the landlord and became suspicious of the circumstances when Skana refused him entry. Subsequently, police were notified and responded to the scene, where they detected the unmistakable smell of cannabis emanating from the property. Upon inspection, officers discovered a substantial cannabis grow operation in the loft that included 51 mature cannabis plants, equipment such as fans and lights, and evidence that the electricity supply had been illegally bypassed.

During police questioning, Skana claimed he had been living in the property since August 5, asserting that he was forcibly brought there by five individuals from London who had allegedly assaulted him. He stated he had been coerced into maintaining the cannabis plants but maintained that he had a key to the premises and could leave at will. In a twist to his claims, phone records revealed that he had been communicating with a sex worker just the day after he stated he had been transported against his will to Wolverhampton, casting doubt on his narrative.

Prosecutor Matthew Barnes highlighted these inconsistencies, stating, “Messages to and from other numbers are consistent with him seeking the services of sex workers.” Furthermore, a video was presented showing Skana in good health, contradicting his claims of sustaining injuries from an assault.

Defending Skana, Babir Adis revealed that his client had been in the UK for roughly four years but lost contact with immigration authorities several years prior. Adis claimed that Skana had arrived in the Midlands under the pretense of finding construction work but found himself trapped in the illegal enterprise due to a lack of funds to depart. Skana’s family situation also garnered attention, with Adis noting that Skana had not seen his sick parents for several years.

As she delivered the sentencing, Judge Amy Jacobs remarked on the credibility issues surrounding Skana’s statements, highlighting that he had the means to leave the property at his discretion. She concluded by informing Skana that immigration authorities would be aware of his situation now that he had been remanded in custody, indicating a likely deportation. The Judge noted, “Whether or not you are deported is a matter for the immigration authorities, not me.”

Skana, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis, with the value of the seized plants estimated at £1,000 each on the street market, leading to the substantial overall valuation of the grow operation. He was subsequently jailed on April 9, with the case serving as an example of the ongoing issues surrounding illegal immigration and drug cultivation in the UK.

Source: Noah Wire Services