A man found in charge of a sophisticated cannabis growing operation of more than 100 plants in a terrace house has been jailed.

Lulzim Muhametaj, 21, was arrested when police raided a property at Stanley Terrace on Middle Market Road in Great Yarmouth on April 11.

Norwich Crown Court was told the otherwise unassuming house had been converted into a cannabis growing farm featuring heat lamps, a ventilation system and hydroponics growing set-up.

Eastern Daily Press: Police discovered a cannabis farm included 114 plants in various stages of maturityPolice discovered a cannabis farm included 114 plants in various stages of maturity (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

READ MORE: Man charged after cannabis farm found in Great Yarmouth

Ian James, prosecuting, said there was evidence the electrical system had been interfered to bypass the meter and power the operation without arousing suspicion.

Muhametaj had been the only occupant and the prosecution said he had been employed to care for 114 plants that were found in various stages of maturity.

“He was living at the property at the time in circumstances that were far from luxurious,” said Mr James.  

Muhametaj pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis.

The court was told the Albanian national had entered the UK illegally.

Eastern Daily Press: The operation was sited in a terrace house on Middle Market Road in Great YarmouthThe operation was sited in a terrace house on Middle Market Road in Great Yarmouth (Image: Google)

Martin Ivory, mitigating, said his role had been limited and he had not been in ultimate charge of the operation. 

“He was not responsible for setting up the lights or growing equipment or stealing the electricity. His role was to keep plants alive in exchange for somewhere to live,” he said. 

READ MORE: Albanian arrested in Great Yarmouth 'had £80k cannabis haul'

“He does not seek to claim that he was kept captive against his will or put forward a spurious modern slavery defence.”  

Judge Anthony Bate sentenced him to nine months saying he had been involved in a “sophisticated clandestine operation”.

“You came to the UK to seek a better life but you were instead recruited as a gardener to tend for plants being grown illegally,” he added.

He said it would be a matter for the Home Office whether he was removed from the country at the end of his sentence.