‘Terrified’ men grew more than 500 cannabis plants at Rhyl property

Edmond Ndoj, 23, of Albert Street; Ertil Loca, 22, of no fixed abode; and Nrek Ndoj, 27, of no fixed abode, were all sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court today (January 15).

All three defendants, who admitted their involvement in the conspiracy at previous hearings, also face deportation either during or after they have served their prison sentences.

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Prosecuting, Alexandra Carrier told the court that, on November 27, 2023, police executed a warrant at an industrial unit on Albert Street, where 540 cannabis plants were discovered.

The electricity supply was also found to have been bypassed, meanwhile.

A drone identified the three defendants; Loca and Nrek Ndoj said nothing when they were arrested, but Edmond Ndoj told officers: “I’m not a criminal”.

Police found 270 cannabis plants organised in rows in a large industrial room, and a storage room containing lighting and growing equipment, ladders, used bags, electricity cables, insulation boards and soil.

Nrek Ndoj (Image: North Wales Police)

In the space above the ceiling, an additional room with 270 more cannabis plants was located.

The total value of the cannabis was estimated to be £120,204.

When interviewed, Loca gave a prepared statement saying he had been “forced” to work as a gardener at the property for the last 10 days.

He said he had been “beaten up”, “threatened”, and “made to work”, and was “terrified” that he would be found and killed if he did not comply.

Ertil Loca (Image: North Wales Police)

Edmond Ndoj made no comment, but Nrek Ndoj also said he was working as a gardener “against his will”, adding that he “never wanted to do it” and was “glad to be arrested”.

None of the defendants were said to have any previous convictions.

Representing Loca, John Wyn Williams labelled this a “classic gardener case”, adding that his client was “not at the higher end of the enterprise”.

Defending Edmond Ndoj, Myles Wilson said he is an illegal immigrant who came to the UK from Albania two years ago, and who speaks “very limited” English.

After finding himself homeless in London, he was offered a job with accommodation in Rhyl, but life was said to be “miserable” for him and his co-defendants since then.

“His vulnerability as an illegal immigrant was being exploited,” Mr Wilson said.

“His choices were limited, and his role was limited as a gardener.”

Edmond Ndoj (Image: North Wales Police)

Likewise, Gareth Bellis said that there was “pressure put on” Nrek Ndoj, his client.

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all drugs and paraphernalia seized by police.

All three defendants will also pay a statutory surcharge.