Albanian who came to UK illegally and set up £100,000 "industrial" cannabis factory in Lee-on-the-Solent is jailed and told he faces deportation

Arben Jaku, of no fixed address, was sent to prison for two years and four months at Portsmouth Crown Court – and was told he will likely be deported when he is due to be released on licence.

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The 45-year-old claimed he fled his native land after borrowing €10,000 from loan sharks to pay for his dad to have cancer treatment. Once in the UK Jaku decided his “best option” was to join a gang to repay his “ballooning” debt and oversaw the cannabis factory at the former Chesterholm Lodge care home site in Britten Road.

Police stormed the former medical facility, which treated patients with mental health problems, on July 6 before arresting Jaku. The care home was closed down in 2020 following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Prosecutor Martyn Booth said 113 mature plants worth around £54,000 were seized alongside 95 seedlings with a £48,000 value. “It was industrial quantity for commercial use,” he said.

Daniel Reilly, defending, admitted Jaku “plainly had awareness and understanding” of the operation but was “performing the role under pressure” to repay a debt amid threats his family would be harmed.

The lawyer said Jaku came to the UK with his “ballooning” debt leading him down a path of criminality. “He felt his best option was to join a gang,” Mr Reilly said. But the barrister insisted Jaku had “no influence on those above him in the chain”. The defendant admitted a charge of cannabis production.

Judge Robert Hill said Jaku’s story was “typical”. He said: “Police found you involved in a significant cannabis production operation. I’m told and accept the plants were worth £54,000 and the seedlings were worth £48,000.

“You came to the country illegally and came with significant debts. Clearly you were working to pay off your debts and you involved yourself in criminal activity.

“You may have had family debts and got into trouble with loan sharks in your own country. Your case is fairly typical.”

The judge added: “You plainly had a significant role. You were there on your own for significant financial gain. You had awareness and understanding of the operation. It could not be said that you did not go into it with your eyes open.”

After jailing Jaku for 28 months, judge Hill said: “You will serve half in prison then I expect you will be deported.”