An Albanian national who entered the UK illegally and began working at a cannabis farm in the North East after getting into £35,000 worth of debt in his home country has been jailed.
Olsi Halili, 28, racked up a substantial debt in Albania and decided to come to the UK in search of a "better life". However, after a period of detention in London and some time spent homeless, he found himself working as a gardener at a cannabis farm in County Durham.
Last month, the farm was raided by police and Halili was arrested. He told officers: "I'm not a criminal, they forced me."
On Thursday, Halili, of West Chilton Terrace, Chilton, appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from HMP Holme House to be sentenced for production of cannabis. He had pleaded guilty to the offence and required an Albanian interpreter throughout the proceedings.
The court heard that on May 16, police raided a cannabis farm on West Chilton Terrace. Ben Sayers, prosecuting, said: "The property was set up with a large metal shutter that prevented access. Police forced entry and found a substantial cannabis grow in the upstairs bedroom and attic."
Mr Sayers said the property was fitted with carbon filtration devices and 88 cannabis plants were discovered. The estimated street value of the grow was said to be between £24,000 and £73,000.
The court was told that Halili was found hiding near a van outside the property and when arrested told officers: "I'm not a criminal, they forced me here." Mr Sayers added that Halili provided no further information about being forced to work at the grow and that he worked as a gardener without receiving any payment.
Ralph Xhepa, defending, said Halili was not paid but was instead provided with food and shelter. He said: "He acquired a £35,000 debt in Albania and was worried about his future as to who he owed the money. In search of a better life, he entered the UK illegally in April 2025."
The court was told that upon arrival, Halili was arrested and detained at a centre in Heathrow. Once released, he was said to have "lost paperwork" and found himself on the streets before being offered the opportunity to look after the Chilton property. Mr Xhepa added: "There was no discussion of payment. He was never paid."
Recorder Mark McKone KC jailed Halili for six months. He told him that what happens following his release is a matter for the Home Office.
