A man has admitted a cannabis production crime after hundreds of plants potentially worth almost £700,000 were found inside a building formerly occupied by a mobile phone shop in central Whitehaven.
Police said the cannabis farm was discovered at a property in King Street on the morning of September 19. Four-hundred plants were located and seized by officers.
Defrim Xherri, 34, of no fixed address, was charged in the aftermath of the seizure. He appeared remotely at Carlisle Crown Court this morning over a video link from custody, speaking to confirm his name, date of birth and that he could hear proceedings clearly.
During a short hearing in front of Judge Michael Fanning, Xherri pleaded guilty to one charge of producing class B controlled drug cannabis. His offending occurred between 1st July and 20th September this year.
The prosecution say the illegal haul had a potential yield of around 68kg. This is said to have an estimated potential street value of £680,000 with the estimated wholesale value put at between £217,000 and £340,000.
Xherri’s lawyer, Jack Troup, said the defendant was putting forward an explanation outlining the exact basis for his admission of guilt. This will be considered in due course by the police and prosecution.
The case was adjourned by Judge Fanning, who noted that Xherri appeared to have been in the UK illegally, that he had previously absconded and was planning to seek asylum.
Xherri will be sentenced in due course and is next due to appear at the crown court on 4th December. The judge said he would receive a sentencing discount in recognition of his guilty plea.
In the meantime the defendant remains remanded in custody.
