Illegal immigrant jailed after daring third-floor escape foiled by forgotten toothbrush
Daring Escape Ends in Arrest
Amarildo Huba, 20, tried to duck the cops by leaping from a third-storey window during a raid on a £500k cannabis farm in Warrington. But his bid for freedom came undone thanks to a forgotten toothbrush and fingerprints left behind. The Albanian, caught in Manchester nearly a year later, was jailed for 15 months at Liverpool Crown Court.
500 Cannabis Plants Worth Half a Million
Police stormed Rusgan House on Barbauld Street at 9am on 19 March 2024, finding 519 mature cannabis plants across three floors. Prosecutor Chris Taylor revealed the haul could yield 43.5 kilos, valued at a staggering £512,800. Huba admitted tending the crop to pay off a £6,000 debt for illegally entering the UK in 2022.
Naive Pommy ‘Gardener’ Claims Pressure
Defence lawyer Jim Smith painted Huba as a young man caught up in crime under intimidation. With no previous convictions, Huba had positive character references calling him “honest and reliable.” However, the court heard of a previous cocaine supply caution in London earlier that year.
Judge Delivers Harsh Verdict — and Deportation Warning
“You were voluntarily part of this business process. The cannabis was being grown on a huge scale and was flourishing under your care,” Judge Ian Harris said.
The judge made clear Huba’s deportation is “inevitable upon release,” with the defendant reportedly accepting this, wishing to reunite with his partner back in Albania.
A Toothbrush That Broke the Case
Huba claimed he brought the toothbrush on advice from his dentist, but the DNA it revealed spelled his downfall. The small forensic clue helped cops crack the operation and ended his year-long run as a fugitive.
This case highlights how tiny forensic leads can bust large-scale UK drug farms often tied to illegal immigration and exploitation.
Worried about drug factories near you? Contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
