Two men have been jailed after the discovery of more than 70 cannabis plants.

Salvator Kola, 44, of Mitchell Avenue in Northfleet and Xhovan Pepaj, 21, of no fixed abode, were sentenced to a combined total of four and a half years at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday.

Pepaj was spotted at the address on Friday, June 1, and believed to be a burglar by an off-duty police officer.

Officers then attended the scene, spotting the 21-year-old at the back of the address, and arrested him on suspicion of burglary.

They soon became aware of a strong cannabis smell coming from the neighbouring house and sought permission from the landlord to investigate.

When they entered the property they found Kola and a cannabis factory spreading across three rooms.

The pair was later charged, after it was established no burglary had taken place.

Pepaj was sentenced to two years and three months for being concerned in the production of a controlled drug, while Kola was sentenced to two years and three months for producing a controlled drug.

Detective Constable Jillian Stoneham, the investigating officer for the case, said:

“Pepaj and Kola were prepared to profit from criminality and in the progress used someone else’s property as a means to an end.

“Cultivating cannabis is a criminal offence and we will not hesitate to use the full remit of our powers to bring those who break the law to justice.”

Robert Ellison, defending, said Pepaj could not get work in Albania and came to the UK for economical reasons.

He worked at a car wash and then became involved in the cannabis factory.

Kola, whose wife and young child live in Albania, claimed he was 35 and not 44. He worked as a labourer and did odd jobs but became “financially desperate”.

“He came to the UK,” said Mr Ellison. “Sadly, all he did was become involved in the cannabis factory. Both of them denied involvement in setting up the factory. Both looked after the plants.

“Mr Kola was living at the address for several weeks before his arrest.”

Judge Charles Macdonald QC said there was no distinction to be drawn between the two men in terms of their roles.

“Each of you had a significant role,” he added.