Two men were jailed after police found a large cannabis farm, worth £2M, in an old primary school in West Wales.
On July 4, police stopped two vehicles – a Volvo and a rented van – just after they exited the M4. Inside, officers discovered almost 100kg of cannabis and mobile phones. The two men were arrested, and GPS data revealed the van had visited Marble Terrace.
The location turned out to be a deserted former school, Hen Ysgol Gynradd, which raised suspicion due to its boarded windows, visible silver vents, and strong cannabis smell.
A search of the premises revealed a sophisticated drug operation with cannabis plants growing in different rooms, as well as living spaces. Officers found 956 cannabis plants. CCTV footage showed individuals using the van to access the old school. A fire broke out at the location two weeks after the discovery.
Alfred Perkola, 44, from Ealing in London, was sentenced to 45 months. Aldi Gjegjaj, 25, from Salford, received 36 months. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy in court.
DC Steve Thomas commented on the case, calling it an excellent result and said that these sentences should deter others involved. He stated they had removed drugs worth almost £2 million from the supply chain.
He further emphasized that drugs have no place in our communities and reiterated the police’s commitment to making the region hostile to drugs. They intend to crack down on the drug supply aggressively, utilizing various proactive activities.