A VIETNAMESE illegal immigrant has been running a cannabis farm in Thurgoland.
Tai Van Nguyen paid gangmasters £14,000 to enter the UK and, in return, grew 400 cannabis plants worth about £120,000 at a home in Copster Close, Barnsley Magistrates’ Court heard.
Nguyen, 38, who appeared in custody and spoke through an interpreter, was involved in tending and watering the drugs, said Adam Seiles, prosecuting.
Mr Seiles said: “The defendant has entered the UK illegally by paying £14,000 to gangmasters. “In return for his accommodation at Copster Close, he was given the task of running a large cannabis farm.
“He is now indebted to the tune of £14,000 to gangmasters and there are substantial grounds that he could commit further offences.â€
Chris Peace, defending, said Nguyen had been in the country for a number of months. He said he had a wife and three children in Vietnam. “He has no previous convictions and should be given maximum credit for admitting the offence. I am unable to apply for bail because there is no fixed address to which he can be bailed.â€
Nguyen was sent to Sheffield Crown Court and remanded in custody prior to sentencing on May 21.
