A man who came to the UK as an illegal immigrant has been jailed for the production of cannabis after he watered the plants to pay off debts.

Edison Cenaj, 21, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today for the production of the class B drug, cannabis at a property in Brynmawr.

It was heard in court that he had a limited role which mainly involved the watering of plants to repay debts to those who brought him to the UK.  

On the 12th of April, Gwent Police searched a semi-detached property on a quiet side street in Brynmawr.  

They found Mr. Edison Cenaj in a downstairs room which had been converted into living quarters - he told officers he was Albanian 

The officers realised quickly that the building had been converted for the purpose of producing cannabis.  

Equipment had been set up to maximise cannabis growth and four rooms over both floors of the property were found with a total 129 cannabis plants with a potential value of up to £85,000.  

It was heard that the first room had 38 female flowering heads of cannabis and growth being assisted by oscillating fans and artificial lighting. 

Mr Edison Cenaj was arrested at the scene and interviewed in the presence of an interpreter and solicitor and answered no comment.  

The prosecutor added that Mr. Cenaj told the police the passcodes to his phones and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.  

His honour Judge Paul Hobson, said: “You arrived in the UK four months previously. You had debt to pay, you tried to find work in the construction industry, but you couldn’t find any. To pay off that debt you were told to water and look after the plants.”   

An Albanian interpreter attended his sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on July 26, 2024. 

Mr Cenaj’s defence barrister, Tochi Ejimofo, said: “Mr Cenaj is of previously good character. He has no previous offences. This was his first time in both custody and his interaction with the criminal justice program.  

“Mr Cenaj was threatened that if he did go to the police, they would find his family in Albania, and they had threatened his life at one point.   

“He came to this country as an illegal immigrant. He wanted to find employment. He was told he had debt to pay.  

“He was transported to Wales to become a gardener. The owners of this operation exploited the fact that he was vulnerable.   

“Mr Cenaj is 21 years old. The brain doesn’t finish developing until age 25. So, there was an element of naivety. 

“During his police interview he provided his pins to both phones to the police. He did plead guilty at the first opportunity.” 

“I have spoken to Mr Cenaj, and he describes his regret as being extreme and upon release from prison he wants to voluntarily return to Albania.   

“He plans to go to school in Albania and study sports science and to be back with his family and friends - he feels positive about going back.  

“He has been keeping himself busy in custody furthering his education by taking classes for English as a second language,” added his defence representative. 

The defendant was sentenced to 32 weeks in custody, serving half of their sentence in custody and the remainder on license.  

He was ordered to pay a £170 surcharge with a collection order within three months of release.  

His honour Judge Paul Hobson, said: "You must keep to the terms of your license or you will be liable to be recalled to custody and may serve the rest of your sentence in custody.   

“The days you have spent on remand will count automatically to your sentences. I believe that is 102 days. If not figures incorrect will be corrected and amended automatically.”