THREE “gardeners” were caught at the site of a £250,000 cannabis factory set up in eight rooms of a former South Cumbria nightclub The Ritz.

Police were initially contacted on October 7 after a passer-by reported a strong smell of cannabis from the derelict Millom venue on Crown Street.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that officers executed a warrant two days later.

Present inside were Albanian nationals Emiljano Marku, and Geg Gjegjaj, both aged 21, and 23-year-old Trandafilos Mhilli.

“Six rooms on the first floor and two rooms on the floor above had been converted for the production of cannabis,” said Mr Evans. “This was a single crop; 297 plants, all in the same stage of growth and all 1.2 to 1.3 metres tall.”

Photographs showed the cannabis factory set-up. “These show fertiliser being used, significant re-wiring of electricity and all the usual accoutrements of a commercial cannabis farm,” said Mr Evans. “Lighting, timers, growing media etc.”

The estimated yield of the crop was between 8.3kg and 24.9kg with a potential street value of £83,000 and up to £250,000.

It is plain that these men were performing a role, under direction, as gardeners,” added Mr Evans.

All three admitted being concerned in cannabis production after being brought to court.

During their sentencing hearing today (fri), defence lawyers said all three men were transported by taxi to Millom. Only on arrival did they realise the nature of the illegal work they were being asked to do.

Jeff Smith, for Marku and Mhilli, said they had arrived in the UK at different times hoping to raise their standard of living.

“During the relatively short period of time, they were ‘employed’ in Millom, they received no money and were simply fed and provided with a roof over their heads,” said Mr Smith. “They both understand that custody is the only option open to the court and they know that they will then be returned to Albania.”

Geg was from a poor family who left Albania amid threats and agreed to pay people smugglers for his passage to the UK. Initial legitimate employment was not sufficient to pay the arrears he owed, the court heard, and he was taken to Millom. “He was told there would be problems if he didn’t pay that debt. He felt intimidated by that,” said his barrister, Judith McCullough.

Passing sentence, Recorder Michael Blakey told the trio: “It clearly was an operation capable of producing significant quantities of cannabis.

He added: “You were taken advantage of by criminals more sophisticated than you and effectively put to work in Millom on this cannabis farm.”

Each of the men were jailed for nine months.