Two Vietnamese men found tending a large cannabis farm claim they were modern-slavery victims.[1] The pair, aged 38 and 34, were arrested when police executed a magistrates’ warrant at the unit on Seaham Grange Industrial Estate on Wednesday, October 7.[1] Officers from the Seaham Neighbourhood Policing Team executed the warrant.[2] Both men were detained at the scene and arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.[1] They have remained in custody since and appeared by video link from Holme House Prison in Stockton for a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.[1] Both defendants faced a joint charge of being concerned in the production of cannabis, a class B drug, and pleaded not guilty.[1]
Officers found a significant cannabis-growing operation using a network of lights and watering equipment.[1] Police photos show some of the cannabis plants found being cultivated in the unit at Seaham Grange Industrial Estate on October 7.[1] Speaking via a Vietnamese interpreter, the 38-year-old followed his plea by saying he was forced to work there.[1] Both men’s defence is that they were victims of modern slavery.[1] The prosecutor said the Home Office has yet to provide documents confirming their immigration status.[1]
The hearing was adjourned so the Home Office can assess their claims that they were forced to work at the unit.[1] The court set a contingency trial date of March 15 next year, with the hearing expected to last two days.[1] The prosecution must serve its evidence by November 27 and the men must help their lawyers prepare defence statements by late December.[1] Judge Richard Bennett remanded both men to remain in custody in the meantime.[1]
