A DRUGS grower is set to be deported to Lithuania after being sentenced to two years for growing cannabis in Grays.

The two grows in Grays were discovered after Rokas Alijosius, 32, of Francisco Close, Chafford Hundred, was spotted through a hidden camera outside one of the properties that police seized on April 25 this year.

Information was taken from the camera and footage picked up Alijosius in his vehicle leaving the Francisco Close

A telephone number was also traced leading police to find the defendant’s income ‘was not supported in his means’.

Laird Avenue had 74 plants with a potential yield of between five and 13kg and a potential street value of £135,000 and Francisco Close had 45 plants with a potential yield of between five and 12kg of cannabis and a potential street value of £120,000 

Alijosius was arrested on April 28 and pleaded guilty on July 17.

He appeared in Southend Crown Court on December 12 charged with two counts of being concerned in the production of cannabis.

Her Honour Judge Samantha Leigh said: “You have ben in custody since your arrest on April 28 and there is no dispute between the crown and defence that you played a significant role.

“The role is significant because you had a good understanding of the scale of this operation and were involved in some management of it.”

Simeon Wallis, mitigating for Alijosius, pointed to his lack of previous convictions when representing him in court.

Mr Wallis added: “Mr Alijosius has been living in this country with his wife and four-year-old child.

“His wife was also arrested and remanded in police custody for a couple of nights which is laid at Mr Alijosius’ door and he feels deep regret about that.

“The defendant is a gentleman with good education qualifications in his own country and he has made good use of his time in custody.

“He has gained various certificates and worked in the Samaritans scheme so is a person with a record of contributing to society whilst sadly having taken from it in this instance.”

Judge Leigh handed Alijosius a 28 month sentence and he will likely be reported on upon his release.