Albanian could be returned to homeland after looking after cannabis cultivation in Hamilton
An Albanian who claimed he travelled to Britain to work as a mechanic ended up looking after a cannabis cultivation in Hamilton.
Rezart Hoxhaj, 33, was jailed this week and is soon to be returned to his homeland.
He admitted producing cannabis and being concerned in its supply at a house in Arran Gardens, Silvertonhill, on October 2 last year.
Officers found plants and herbal cannabis worth more than £58,000 in the detached three-bedroom property.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard police officers armed with a search warrant arrived at 9am.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said: 'As they tried to force entry, they became aware of the accused opening a window upstairs and saw him scaling down to the roof of an extension.
'Thereafter he ran towards a wooded area. The police officers gave chase and the accused was arrested a short time later.
'The officers searched the house and saw that most of the rooms were being used for the cultivation of cannabis plants.
'They found 217 plants as well as 7kg of packaged herbal cannabis in vacuum-sealed bags.
'Expert police officers say the total retail value of the drugs could have been £58,200.'
Defence lawyer Peter Malone told the court: 'My client is a mechanic and travelled to the UK with the intention of getting employment in that field.
'However, he allowed himself to become involved in this offence and was caught by the police.'
Sheriff Colin Dunipace jailed Hoxhaj for 20 months, backdated to October 3 as he has been in custody since his arrest.
Mr Malone added: 'He will be returned to Albania when his sentence expires.'
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