The sentencing of two men involved in the operation of a “million pound” west Cumbria cannabis factory has been postponed - because an interpreter could not be found to assist one of the men in court.

Xhona Leka, 28, and Gjergi Braculla, 39, were charged after officers discovered a huge drugs farm at a property on Lowther Street in Whitehaven - close to the town’s police station - on May 24.

At their first court appearance, a prosecutor told how 1,300 cannabis plants had been discovered at the address as part of what was suggested to be a “million pound enterprise by an organised crime gang”

Leka, of The Dene, Wembley, North London, and Braculla, of Archduke Place, New Maldon, Kingston upon Thames, later pleaded guilty to production of the class B drug. Leka also admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Both men, who are Albanian nationals, were due to be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday but the case was adjourned as no interpreter had been provided for Braculla, who speaks little English, despite a request being lodged with an agency.

“I will be making specific enquiries of the agency to ascertain why it has not been possible to provide an Albanian interpreter,” said Judge Nicholas Barker. “It seems to me to be wholly unsatisfactory that one is not here which has led to a delay to this matter.”

The hearing has been adjourned until September 7, with Leka and Braculla remaining in custody until that date.