An illegal immigrant who leapt from a third-storey window in a desperate bid to evade police during a raid on a cannabis factory has been jailed—after a forgotten toothbrush led to his arrest.
Amarildo Huba, 20, of Albanian origin, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court today after admitting to his role in a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation in Warrington, Cheshire.
The dramatic escape took place at 9am on 19 March 2024, when officers raided Rusgan House on Barbauld Street in Bewsey and Whitecross. Huba, the only occupant at the time, jumped from a top-floor window and disappeared from the scene.
However, his freedom was short-lived. A toothbrush left behind at the property, later found to contain his DNA, linked him to the site. His fingerprints on a lighting unit further confirmed his involvement. Police tracked and arrested him in Manchester on 18 February 2025.
500+ Plants, Half a Million in Value
The premises housed 519 mature cannabis plants across all three floors. Prosecutor Chris Taylor told the court the crop could have produced 43.5 kilos of cannabis, valued at approximately £512,800.
Huba admitted to being a “gardener” at the site, working off a £6,000 debt he incurred for his illegal entry into the UK in 2022. Though he claimed he was not directly threatened, Huba said he feared for the safety of his family in Albania if he refused to cooperate.
‘Naive Involvement’
Defending Huba, Jim Smith described his client as a young man who had naively become involved in criminal activity under pressure. Huba, who has no prior convictions, received positive character references from friends who described him as “honest and reliable.”
The court also heard that Huba previously received a caution in April 2024 for possession with intent to supply cocaine, issued by the City of London Police.
Judge: ‘You Will Be Deported’
Sentencing, Judge Ian Harris acknowledged Huba’s role as “a gardener,” but emphasised the scale and sophistication of the operation.
“You were voluntarily part of this business process. The cannabis was being grown on a huge scale and was flourishing under your care,” Judge Harris said.
He added that Huba’s deportation is “inevitable upon release,” to which the defendant reportedly expressed no objection, stating his desire to return to Albania to reunite with his partner.
A Toothbrush That Sealed His Fate
While Huba claimed he brought the toothbrush to the site on his dentist’s advice, it ultimately played a crucial role in his identification. The overlooked item proved pivotal in securing a conviction and bringing the fugitive’s year-long run to an end.
The case underscores how small forensic traces can lead to major breakthroughs in tackling organised drug cultivation in the UK, particularly as cannabis factories continue to be linked to illegal immigration and exploitation.
Anyone with concerns about illegal drug production in their community is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
