Two men who entered the UK illegally have been jailed for a huge cannabis growing operation in vacant commercial premises. 

Police discovered 591 mature cannabis plants and a further 730 seedlings when they raided premises on Southtown Road in Great Yarmouth.

Norwich Crown Court heard the sophisticated growing set-up included 252 heat lamps and 177 electrical transformers in three huge warehouse rooms, with other parts of the premises used for storage and drying. 

John Morgans, prosecuting, said between 50 and 60 kilos of cannabis had been discovered, worth an estimated £325,000.

Police discovered 591 plants and up to six kilos of cannabis at the vacant Oswald House premisesPolice discovered 591 plants and up to 60 kilos of cannabis at the vacant Oswald House premises (Image: Newsquest) The huge warehouse growing operation included 252 heat lamps and other equipment The huge warehouse growing operation included 252 heat lamps and other equipment (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

“This was warehouse-style production with all the equipment required for the growing of industrial quantities of cannabis,” he added.  

The electricity supply had been illegally bypassed to power the operation. 

READ MORE: Arrests made after Great Yarmouth cannabis factory found

Emilian Lifia, 39, and Hamit Kacorri, 21, were arrested in a living space that was adjacent to the empty offices and warehouses at Oswald House on February 6.

Both Albanian nationals pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis and with entering the UK without leave. 

Emilian Lifia who arrived in the UK in back of a lorry was jailed for 18 monthsEmilian Lifia, who arrived in the UK in back of a lorry, was jailed for 18 months (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

The court was told Lifia had come into the country in the back of a lorry, while Kacorri had crossed the Channel in a small boat.

Oliver Haswell, for Kacorri, said he had been trafficked by a criminal gang who he was beholden to. 

READ MORE: Norfolk police seize £4.5 million of cannabis in crackdown

Lifia borrowed money in Albania to pay for medical treatment for his son but his “financial vulnerability had been exploited”, the court was told. 

Hamit Kacorri who was smuggled on a small boat was jailed for 17 monthsHamit Kacorri, who was smuggled on a small boat, was jailed for 17 months (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

He said he had been smuggled to the UK and forced to work in a car wash in Southampton before being moved to Norfolk.

Recorder Richard Mawhinney said he accepted both men had played a lesser role in the operation “primarily due to exploitation”. 

He jailed Lifia for 18 months and Kacorri for 17 months. Both will face proceeds of crime proceedings and face deportation.