Albanian Man Jailed for Cannabis Farming in Honour of Debt Repayment
Albanian Man Jailed for Cultivating Cannabis as an Act of Honour to Repay Debt
An Albanian national, Arben Kolgjoku, 47, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his involvement in cultivating cannabis plants valued at up to £105,000. Kolgjoku explained that his role in the illegal operation was driven by his cultural sense of honour and duty to repay a £7,000 debt he had incurred while financing medical treatment for his wife back in Albania.
Kolgjoku, who has no fixed address in the UK, was arrested after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm in Gateshead. He pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis, and following his sentence at Newcastle Crown Court, he will face automatic deportation to Albania upon his release from prison.
Cannabis Farm Worth £105,000 Uncovered by Police Raid
The sophisticated cannabis-growing operation was discovered during a police raid on May 17 at a property on Windmill Way, Gateshead. Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw described how the three-storey house had been transformed into a fully functioning cannabis farm. Inside, officers found 283 cannabis plants in various stages of growth, with an estimated street value of up to £105,000. In addition, 127 young cuttings were discovered in a makeshift nursery within a cupboard, ready to be cultivated into more valuable plants.
Kolgjoku’s role in the operation, according to his own admission, was not to organise or oversee the farm but simply to tend to the plants by watering, feeding, and maintaining them. He stated that the overall cannabis-growing setup had been created by another individual, whose identity he did not disclose for fear of potential retaliation.
A Debt of Honour and Cultural Responsibility
During the trial, it was revealed that Kolgjoku's actions stemmed from a deep cultural belief in honouring one’s financial obligations. In Albania, Kolgjoku explained, repaying debts is seen as a matter of personal pride and responsibility. After borrowing £7,000 to cover his wife’s medical expenses, Kolgjoku felt a strong obligation to repay the sum as quickly as possible, even if it meant becoming involved in illegal activities.
Kolgjoku told the court that his upbringing had instilled in him a sense of responsibility, and he believed it would have been dishonourable to walk away from his debt. While he admitted to caring for the cannabis plants, he maintained that he had no control over the wider operation and was merely fulfilling his obligation in an effort to settle his financial burden.
Despite being cooperative with the authorities, Kolgjoku refused to reveal the identity of the person or organisation to whom he owed the money, citing concerns for his personal safety and fear of repercussions.
A Life of Hardship: Kolgjoku’s Background
In mitigation, Kolgjoku’s defence lawyer, Rachel Hedworth, provided context for his situation, highlighting that Kolgjoku had no prior history of criminal activity. She described him as a well-educated individual, holding a degree in biochemistry. Born to a family of farmers in Albania, Kolgjoku had previously worked in agriculture in Italy before migrating to the UK three years ago in search of better opportunities.
However, the financial strain brought on by his wife’s medical treatment pushed Kolgjoku into a vulnerable position. Feeling pressured by his debt, Kolgjoku agreed to care for the cannabis plants in exchange for money that would go toward repaying the £7,000 he owed. Hedworth described her client as “deeply remorseful” for his actions and eager to make amends. She pointed out that Kolgjoku had learned a harsh lesson from his involvement in the illegal operation.
The Court’s Verdict and Consequences
Despite his remorse, Kolgjoku’s role in the production of cannabis was a serious offence, and he was sentenced to 20 months in prison. Under UK law, the production and distribution of cannabis remain illegal, with significant penalties for those found guilty of involvement in such activities.
The judge acknowledged that Kolgjoku’s motivation may have been rooted in his desire to repay a personal debt, but the scale of the cannabis farm and the potential harm it could have caused in the community warranted a significant custodial sentence. In addition to his prison term, Kolgjoku will be deported to Albania upon his release, as he does not have a permanent legal status in the UK.
Cultural and Legal Implications
Kolgjoku’s case sheds light on the clash between cultural traditions and the law. In his culture, repaying debts is an essential part of maintaining one’s honour and reputation. However, in the UK, illegal activities such as drug production are strictly prohibited, regardless of the motivations behind them. This case illustrates the difficult choices faced by immigrants who find themselves in desperate financial situations and under pressure to uphold cultural values while navigating a foreign legal system.
The case also highlights the ongoing issue of illegal cannabis farming in the UK, which continues to be a lucrative but dangerous activity, often involving vulnerable individuals who are coerced into participating in illegal operations. Law enforcement agencies have been working to crack down on such farms, but the prevalence of these operations suggests a complex network of organised crime that continues to exploit people like Kolgjoku.
Arben Kolgjoku’s story is one of desperation, honour, and the consequences of making difficult choices under pressure. His involvement in an illegal cannabis farm to repay a personal debt has resulted in a prison sentence and deportation, and while his intentions may have been to restore his honour, his actions have led to significant legal ramifications. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and navigating the legal systems of the countries in which one resides, as cultural beliefs, no matter how deeply rooted, cannot override the law.