Man Who Ran Cannabis Farm After Being Trafficked by Albanian Gang Sentenced
A 25-year-old man claiming to have been trafficked into the UK by an Albanian crime gang to look after a cannabis factory has been handed a prison sentence.
Police Raid Cannabis Factory in Rushden
Leonardo Capja was caught after officers from the East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a warrant at a house on Ashby Drive, Rushden, on September 29 last year under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
During the raid, Capja tried to flee through a bathroom window but was quickly caught. He appeared dishevelled, as if he had just woken up.
Huge Cannabis Grow Found Inside
Police uncovered between 100 and 120 cannabis plants scattered across multiple rooms. They also seized equipment worth thousands — including 40 transformers, 38 lamps, 10 fans, and five LED lights used to cultivate the Class B drug.
Capja Claims He Was Forced Into It
At the time, Capja was the only person living at the property. During his police interview, he claimed he was forced to maintain the grow to pay off a £15,000 debt to the Albanian gang who trafficked him.
“I didn’t want to come to the UK to commit crimes. My intention was to send money back to my family. I’m very sorry,” he said in a prepared statement.
12 Months Behind Bars for Production of Cannabis
Capja, who has no fixed address, was charged with producing a controlled Class B drug and appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on September 30. He was remanded in custody and sent to Northampton Crown Court for trial.
He pleaded guilty on January 9 and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
