Illegal immigrant jailed for cannabis factory in home

Nigerian national Ekpo Mgpang was jailed for nine months at Leicester Crown Court

An illegal immigrant claimed he allowed a cannabis factory to be set up in his home to cover his rent, a court heard.

Nigerian national Ekpo Mgpang - who claims his father was "a king" who was executed in his homeland - pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis, between January 17 and July 17.

He was jailed for nine months.

Leicester Crown Court was told a search warrant was executed at the defendant's home in Oxford Street, Loughborough.

James Bide-Thomas, prosecuting, said: "Downstairs was occupied by the defendant and his family and there was a locked door leading upstairs."

The defendant claimed someone else lived there and entry was forced. Officers found 33 plants being cultivated and 48 harvested plants drying on the landing.

Mr Bide-Thomas said: "There was also loose cannabis, some in bags, empty bags and scales.

"In total, there was more than 200 grams of cannabis with a bulk value given as about £6,000."

A key to upstairs was found in the defendant's living room, along with £2,695 in cash which was confiscated by the court.

There was a CCTV system installed with a camera facing the front door and a monitor in the defendant's sitting room.

"The electricity meter had also been by-passed in a dangerous manner," said Mr Bide-Thomas.

Mgpang (32) claimed he was the tenant allowing cannabis to be grown by others as he had overstayed in the UK and was in a desperate situation.

His partner, a UK citizen, had a child from a former relationship and they had a 16-month-old together, born here.

As an illegal immigrant, he was unable to work.

The court heard the UK Border Agency has been informed.

Recorder Sam Mainds said: "The defendant has been told to attend the UK Border Agency to allow the agency to obtain a Nigerian passport, otherwise he can stay here as they won't pursue a commonwealth country to take back its citizens."

Philip Gibbs, mitigating, said: "If Nigeria deny knowledge of him, which would be a convenient way to avoid their responsibility, then it's our problem.

"There are going to be long, drawn out proceedings about this man's status."

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Illegal-immigrant-jailed-cannabis-factory-home/story-22851856-detail/story.html 30/08/2014