A cannabis gardener had a rude awakening when police turned up to search a house in Wishaw. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Besnik Perleka was sleeping when officers arrived and found 130 plants worth up to £78,000.
Court details
Perleka, 35, admitted cultivating cannabis at a house in Caledonian Road on January 14 this year. Connor McIntyre, prosecuting, told the court: "Police attended with a drugs search warrant at 9.15am. They entered the property and found the accused sleeping on a bed. The cannabis cultivation was in another room."
He added: "The plants were described as well-maintained. Equipment used in the growing of cannabis was also found. This included a fan, lighting and nutrients."
Background and sentencing
Defence lawyer Margaret Chalmers said Perleka is an Albanian national. He has been held in custody since his arrest. Mrs Chalmers said a Home Office investigation has dismissed concerns that he was the victim of human trafficking.
Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentence on first offender Perleka until next month for background reports and remanded him in custody.
