Man caught hiding at Norfolk cannabis factory jailed

Xhulian Bello, 28, was discovered by police at an address in Great Yarmouth where a total of 88 cannabis plants were found in one room, along with sophisticated growing equipment.

Norwich Crown Court heard Bello, who was said to be a "gardener" in the operation uncovered on June 14 this year, had previously been sentenced to 18 months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court after he admitted producing cannabis in 2020.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)Martin Ivory, prosecuting,  said as well as the cannabis, found in a ground floor room, there were three other rooms which contained growing equipment.

Mr Ivory said Bello made no comment in interviews with police, although he accepts he was the gardener of the cannabis plants found by police at the property.

Bello, of no fixed abode, appeared at court on Wednesday (September 20) via videolink from HMP Norwich and spoke through an interpreter, having previously admitted production of cannabis.

Xhulian Bello (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Sentencing Bello to 20 months in prison, Judge Andrew Shaw said: "You clearly did not learn your lesson."

Judge Andrew Shaw (Image: Newsquest)He said despite being jailed previously for the same offence Bello had ended up being involved in the production of cannabis where 88 plants were recovered but it was "clearly capable of growing more".

Judge Shaw said it was likely Bello would be deported after his sentence although that was a matter for the Home Office.

Jude Durr, mitigating, said Bello, who was born in Albania, was of no fixed abode at the time and should receive credit for his plea.

He said the defendant's contention he was nothing more than the gardener fitted with the evidence in the case.

Forfeiture and destruction of the plants and growing equipment was also ordered.