TWO men who looked after a 'sophisticated' cannabis growing operation in Rhyl have been jailed.

Edison Cani and Fluturim Kuti, both of no fixed abode, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, July 23.

Cani, 24, and Kuti, 28, had both previously pleaded guilty to one charge each of producing a controlled drug of class B (Cannabis) during a Plea and Trial Preparation hearing on July 18.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, told the court that the pair had entered the United Kingdom from Albania illegally, after absconding police.

Their offending came to light on April 11 of this year, when North Wales Police executed a search warrant at an industrial unit on Ernest Street in Rhyl.

When police flew a drone over the unit to scan the area, they witnessed Cani and Kuti leaving the building by exiting onto the roof.

Mr Dunford said that, when they jumped onto the roof of the next building, they fell through it, falling 'around 10 foot'.

Both were taken to hospital to be treated for 'minor injuries'.

A search of the unit saw police discover a 'relatively sophisticated' cannabis growing operation.

The electricity had been 'by-passed' and there were white sheets along the walls and the floor, the court heard.

There was, according to a police expert, 'evidence of plant cultivation over a considerable period of time'.

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The expert also revealed that, in total, 886 plants 'at various stages of cultivation' were found and seized from the unit.

It was estimated that, if sold at street value, this could have resulted in a total yield of £727,000 for the operation.

Among other items discovered were bladed articles, a Nokia phone, cash and Cani and Kuti's identification cards.

Officers also discovered a room which had two beds, a fridge and CCTV cameras in it.

At interview, Cani provided no comment, but Kuti revealed that he had become involved in the operation due to owing a debt of 25,000 Euros.

He added that he had arrived in the UK from France via a boat 18 months before his arrest.

Gareth Bellis, defending Cani, said that the defendant was a man of 'previous good character', but he accepted that he would have to serve an immediate custodial sentence of 'some length'.

Amy Edwards, defending Kuti, agreed with the terms set out by Mr Bellis.

Sentencing the pair, Judge Timothy Petts said: "You had been recruited into work after absconding. Your role was an important but low level one, as you were looking after the growing of the plants.

"But, you clearly had some awareness and understanding of the scale of the operation."

Both Cani and Kuti were sentenced to 18 months in jail.

They will also be subject to automatic deportation, which will be arranged during their time in custody.

Judge Petts also ordered for the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis found.