Cultural Obligation Leads to Prison: Arben Kolgjoku's Cannabis Farming Case

An Albanian national has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for farming cannabis plants valued at up to £105,000 to repay a debt he claimed he owed out of "honour."

Arben Kolgjoku, 47, who had no fixed address, admitted producing cannabis in a house in Gateshead after accumulating a £7,000 debt. The Newcastle Crown Court heard that Kolgjoku borrowed the money for his wife's medical treatment in Albania.

Kolgjoku, a married father of two, explained that in his culture, it was considered a matter of "personal pride and honour" to work off debts. His lawyer, Rachel Hedworth, said Kolgjoku felt a strong sense of responsibility due to his upbringing. "His parents brought him up to never walk away from his obligations," she stated.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw explained that police raided a three-storey property on Windmill Way in Gateshead on 17 May, discovering a cannabis farm. Officers found 283 plants valued at up to £105,000, as well as 127 cuttings in a makeshift nursery hidden in a cupboard.

Kolgjoku, who has been in the UK for three years, admitted his involvement but claimed his role was limited to tending, watering, and feeding the plants. He did not reveal who he owed money to, citing fear of potential repercussions.

In mitigation, Hedworth said Kolgjoku was deeply remorseful and had learned his lesson. She added that he had previously worked in agriculture in Italy and as a bodyguard in Albania, where he had earned a degree in biochemistry. Upon completing his sentence, he will be automatically deported to Albania.