Anna Bond prosecutes Vietnamese foreign national found in cannabis farm worth up to £339,350

June 19, 2023

Last week, Huy Van Le, was convicted of producing a controlled drug of class B, namely cannabis, by a jury at Bolton Crown Court.

The defendant was found in the cannabis farm at a disused pub in Greater Manchester on 30 November 2022. A second male, found at the property with him and believed to be under 18, was not prosecuted.

More than 800 plants were found at the Church Inn pub in Stalybridge along with an intricate ventilation and lighting system. When the Tactical Aid Unit cut through the front door, Mr Le attempted to flee from the building before being detained and arrested.

The defence claimed that Mr Le had been the victim of modern day slavery after being tricked by an unknown male to go to the pub in order to do legitimate work.

Following conviction, the defendant was sentenced to 3 years 6 months imprisonment.