Home Office probe continues into claims Hartlepool cannabis arrest pair were trafficked

Man Co Hoang, 43, and Lan Nguyen, 37 are charged with producing the Class B drug at a house in Thornton Street between January 3 and April 3 of this year.

Hundreds of plants were reportedly found growing over three floors when police raided the property in April.

A trial for both defendants, of no fixed abode and who are remanded in custody, is currently due to take place on October 7.

In an update on Monday, June 8, Paul Reid prosecuting, said: “There has been an investigation commenced into the claim by the two defendants that they were trafficked and forced to work in the house in question.

“That investigation has not been formally concluded.”

Judge Deborah Sherwin adjourned the case for a further mention on Monday, August 17.

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