An Albanian couple was sentenced to two and three years in prison, respectively, by the Brussels court on Friday for running a cannabis plantation in Overijse (Flemish Brabant).
The man admitted to the crime but insisted that his significant other was unaware of the operations – an argument that the court dismissed.
Local police from the Druivenstreek zone executed a search warrant on 21 February on a supposedly vacant house, which showed unusually high water and electricity usage. During the search, officers discovered 770 cannabis plants and the aforementioned couple.
Prosecution asked for three-year prison sentences on charges of cannabis cultivation and illegal use of water and electricity.
The defence lawyer has requested a suspended sentence: "My client was unemployed in Albania, and was enticed to run the plantation for a promised fee of €3,000. He invited his girlfriend to stay with him, however, ensures she was oblivious to the plantation's existence. We request a suspended sentence as he now has the prospect of steady employment."
Ultimately, the court dismissed the plea. The sentenced man will serve three years while his partner received a two-year suspended sentence. The court found the couple guilty of cannabis cultivation but cleared them of illegal use of utilities.
