Abaz Skana, a 30-year-old Albanian national, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being apprehended while managing a cannabis farm valued at £51,000 in Wolverhampton. His arrest took place on October 11 last year when police responded to a report from a maintenance worker who noted suspicious circumstances at a property on Victoria Road in the Bradmore area.

The worker, who was present to conduct repair work on the gutters, became concerned after Skana denied him access to the premises. Upon arrival, police officers were met with a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the property. An investigation revealed the presence of 51 mature cannabis plants, alongside fertilisers, lighting equipment, and a tent. Additionally, it was noted that the electricity supply had been illegally bypassed.

During questioning, Skana claimed that he was ‘forced’ into managing the cannabis farm by a group of men from London, who he alleged had physically assaulted him. Despite these claims, evidence presented in court appeared inconsistent with his narrative. For instance, messages retrieved from Skana’s phone indicated conversations with a sex worker the day after he purportedly suffered injuries from the five men. Furthermore, video footage showed him walking unaided, raising questions about the severity of the alleged abuse.

The court was informed that Skana had been in the UK for approximately four years but had lost contact with immigration authorities. His defence lawyer, Babir Adis, noted that Skana had expected to find construction work in Wolverhampton but ultimately found himself trapped in the drug operation due to financial constraints. Adis highlighted that Skana had not seen his ailing parents for several years.

Judge Amy Jacobs, presiding over the case, remarked on the discrepancies in Skana’s account, particularly noting his access to a key and the ability to enter and exit the property freely. She advised that the immigration authorities had been notified of his custody and expressed the likelihood of his deportation following his sentence. The judge commented on the implications of seeking the services of sex workers, suggesting it contradicted his claims of being financially constrained.

Ultimately, Skana pled guilty to the charge of cultivation of cannabis, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. Each cannabis plant was estimated to be worth around £1,000, contributing to the substantial value of the entire operation. The case highlights ongoing issues related to illegal immigration and drug cultivation operations within the UK.

Source: Noah Wire Services