A MAN says he was forced into being involved in a large-scale cannabis operation that was discovered in Welshpool town centre.
Alban Qemalli, 31, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday, October 11, where he entered a guilty plea to being concerned in the production of cannabis in Welshpool.
The Albanian national, was one of two men arrested following two separate drug busts, at two separate premises, in Welshpool on September 2.
Qemalli had initially denied the charge when he appeared at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court.
Speaking via the aid of an Albanian interpreter, Qemalli, of Broad Street, Welshpool, said he was entering his guilty plea on the basis that he was a victim of modern slavery.
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Simon Rogers, representing him, said: “This was a large-scale set-up. The defendant indicated this morning he wished to enter a guilty plea.
“It is on the basis that his role was a lesser role and he was forced to work within this set-up in order to pay the transportation costs of bringing him to the UK.
“His mobile phone was seized and thorough analysis will need to be carried out on that to determine if the prosecution is willing to accept the basis of plea.”
Judge Rhys Rowlands adjourned the case for sentencing, which is due to take place in Mold on November 12.
Qemalli, who has been on remand since his arrest, will be further remanded until that date.
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