A THIRTY seven year old man found "hiding" in a building in Workington that housed a secret cannabis farm has admitted his guilt – and apologised.

Police found Edwart Rrapushaj in the attic of the property at Market Place in Workington earlier this week. He admitted producing the Class B drug.

Police who raided the property on Monday discovered a crop of 246 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £388,000, prosecutor Pam ward told Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates. Court.

Three other men who were also arrested in connection with the discovery are yet to formally enter their pleas.

Prosecutor Pam Ward said police discovered the cannabis farm after being alerted to “suspicious activity” at the scene of the former bookmakers. “Inside, police found evidence of a cannabis farm,” said Mrs Ward.

“There were 246 cannabis plants and associated equipment; and there was evidence suggesting a harvest had occurred.”

Police also discovered that the building’s electricity supply had been bypassed and there was a small area set aside inside the building which had the appearance of being living quarters for whoever was based there.

The prosecutor added: “Mr Rrapushaj was found hiding in the attic of the premises and arrested.”

Magistrates told the defendant, who has no fixed address, that he will remain remanded in custody until his next court appearance, which will be at Carlisle Crown Court on February 20.

After he entered his guilty plea, Rrapushaj  said: "I am so sorry."

Then, as the case ended, he told magistrates: “I ask for forgiveness. And I take responsibility.” The three co-defendants , who are all charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis, are yet to plead.

They are:

  • Eneo Kamberi, 23, of Nesfield Street, Bradford
  • Esat Qama, 25, of no fixed address
  • Eriton Qato, 28, of Nesfield Street, Bradford

All three men appeared briefly before the court, and all were remanded in custody. They are likely to be asked for enter pleas when they appear before the crown court, also on February 20. All four defendants are Albanian nationals