Teenager caught in charge of cannabis farm worth £120,000 at house in Leeds

Kosmas Kasapi was arrested at the property on Saxon Road, Moor Allerton, when police executed a search warrant on June 19 this year.

Leeds Crown Court heard a total of 220 plants were growing in five different rooms.

Sue Evans, prosecuting, said it was a ""sophisticated" growing operation.

The house was equipped with heat lamps, wall coverings and a ventilation system.

The plants were in various stages of growth, indicating that it was an ongoing operation.

Miss Evans said the plants were capable of producing cannabis with a street value of £120,000.

Officers also seized £140 in cash from a cabinet.

Kasapi, an 18-year-old Greek national, was arrested from the property but refused to comment during police interview.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

Mohammed Rafiq, mitigating, said Kasapi had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty to the offence at an early stage.

Mr Rafiq said Kasapi came to the UK two years ago and had been living with his sister, who is an NHS nurse.

The barrister said Kasapi travelled to Leeds to see friends two days before his arrest and became involved in the production of the plants.

Mr Rafiq said: "He accepts that he has been foolish.

"He doesn't want to get involved in anything like this in the future."

Kasapi was sentenced to eight months in a young offender institution.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said: "You are 18 and you have never been in trouble before.

"But you have started your criminal career in a very serious way by being part of this operation to cultivate cannabis."