Charged cannabis factory worker used for 'sexual favours'

In England a Chinese woman charged with cultivating cannabis in factories in Limavady and Londonderry claims she was used for ’sexual favours’ by the people that worked there.

The charges relate to a major haul of cannabis worth more than £1million after police uncovered three factories in the city and also in Limavady. Ho-Ling Mo, a Belfast based lawyer representing 40-year-old Mei Lin Yun, appeared at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court last week to apply for bail for a client.

The solicitor said the delay in the case coming to court was “displeasing” and that her client had already served 14 months in custody. She said: “My client provided an explanation as to why she was in the premises to police and answered all the questions given. She said she was there to provide sexual favours for the men working there.”

Ms Mo said her client was an illegal immigrant and was taken to a house in Londonderry and forced to work as a prostitute to make ends meet. Ms Mo said a surety of £20,000 was available if the court were to grant bail.

Opposing the bail application, an officer speaking in court said police believed Mei Lin Yun to have had a major part in the cannabis factories. He said: “The woman is suspected of being involved in at least three major cannabis factories in Londonderry and Limavady. During interview she has attempted to minimise her involvement. Police believe she has had a substantial part to play. “As far as the surety goes for each factory, we are talking hundreds of thousands of pounds worth.”

Mei Lin Yun is charged with cultivating cannabis, possessing a Class C controlled drug, possession of a Class C drug with intent to supply. She is also charged with two counts of cultivating cannabis, two counts of possessing a Class C controlled drug, two counts of possession of a Class C drug and two counts of criminal damage on June 4, 2008.

A prosecution solicitor said £20,000 was a “drop in the ocean” for the factories and said another eight weeks would give them to get papers together in what was a substantial case.

Refusing bail, District Judge, Barney McElholm said: “The delay is regrettable. The real danger is absconding.” He remanded Mei Lin Yun in custody until September 10.

bron: www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk [19-8-2009]