A MAN jailed for tending a large-scale cannabis grow in a late Victorian terraced property has now been deported from the UK, a court was told.

Panajot Mitrollari, 48, was arrested when police raided the house, in Nevilledale Terrace, Durham, at 8.40am on June 24, last year.

Durham Crown Court was told officers found cannabis plants being grown in different stages of maturity, in most rooms, which were fitted with sophisticated heating, lighting and watering equipment.

An expert officer in drug production gave an estimated value of a potential gain of £1m a year from the operation.

Mitrollari, an Albanian immigrant, claimed to have been the victim of modern day slavery, when made his initial court appearance weeks after his arrest.

The court was told he settled in this country in 2015 and was granted residency until 2024.

But he claimed to have been taken from his home in Sheffield and brought to Durham where he was placed in the house.

He initially denied producing cannabis.

But following a Home Office referral ruling and a trial of issue, his claim was rejected, and Mitrollari was jailed for 25 months, at the court, in May.

Crime proceeds inquiries have since taken place with a view to a confiscation hearing, at the court on Friday,

But the court was told it was understood Mitrollari has since been deported.

The hearing was adjourned for confirmation of the defendant’s immigration status, at the court, next month.

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