Man sentenced for operating £140,000 cannabis cultivation

A man who entered the country unlawfully has received a prison sentence after being discovered tending a cannabis cultivation operation estimated to be worth approximately £140,000 on the street. John Hyseni, aged 23, resided at the property located in Firwood Gardens, Gateshead, where he cultivated the Class B drug in return for accommodation, according to proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court. On 2 October, law enforcement officers discovered 140 cannabis plants distributed across three rooms, alongside associated growing equipment. Hyseni, an Albanian national who entered the UK via a “dinghy” two years prior, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and was subsequently sentenced to one year and four months in prison. Prosecutor Antonia Adie stated that police had received an anonymous tip indicating the house, situated in the Lobley Hill area of the town, was being utilized for cannabis cultivation, where a sophisticated setup was subsequently found. Ms. Adie further explained that the property’s electricity meter had been bypassed and that Hyseni would have gained a “significant” benefit from his involvement, specifically through the provision of accommodation. During mitigation, Charlie Thompson presented that Hyseni occupied the lowest position within the drug gang hierarchy, functioning essentially as a gardener. He received accommodation and “pocket money for food” in return for tending the plants. Mr. Thompson stated that Hyseni arrived in the UK on a “dinghy” in 2022, having fled gambling debts accumulated in Albania. The court was informed that he initially held a construction job in London but subsequently lost both his employment and residence once his unlawful immigration status was discovered. Mr. Thompson recounted that a “friend of a friend” informed him of the opportunity in Gateshead, which he accepted “in an act of foolish desperation.” “He recognises he has gained nothing from coming to the [UK] and should have faced his problems head-on in [Albania] rather than running away from them,” Mr Thompson stated, further describing it as a “salutary lesson.” Judge Tim Gittins remarked that he acknowledged Hyseni “felt under some pressure” but found “no evidence” indicating he was “under duress or threats from those above” him. The judge added that Hyseni would face deportation following the completion of his prison term.