Police raids across four counties dismantle cannabis farms linked to organized crime, seizing millions in drugs.
Operation Scotney drives police work, addressing the rising number of cannabis factories. Organized crime gangs are behind these factories, involving police in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys.
Scotney is their biggest drug operation yet, destroying cannabis worth over £12 million and seizing heating and lighting equipment. The operation began due to many discoveries of large cannabis factories that seemed unconnected at first.
Thousands of plants were seized in each search, an unusually large scale. The factories linked to organized crime, with suspicion falling on criminals from outside the area hoping to avoid detection in rural areas. Operation Scotney started in early 2024.
Cannabis plants need heat to grow well indoors, so watch for condensation or missing rooftop snow. The plants also smell very strong, particularly near harvest. Garden waste, such as pots, compost, or plant food, might be dumped outside.
Bright lights running 24/7 aid growth, and you might hear fan noise. Look for covered windows or added locks, which may hide illegal activity. Frequent power cuts can also suggest a grow, as electricity meters often get bypassed.
Are people visiting at odd hours? Are lights always on with nobody present? Detectives and other experts collaborate closely to locate factories before the cannabis grows. They executed 37 warrants in four divisions and found many plants.
Factories are appearing in plain sight, in public areas and town centers, even near police stations. Officials find the scale incredible, noting criminals taking a bold approach to operation.
Old schools and shops become factories, and even a newspaper office was used. Operators disguise themselves as construction workers or landlords. This helps them to move undetected, carrying boxes in daylight.
One bust happened four doors from the police, showing gang determination, as police note. Over a year, 35 people were arrested, and twenty-nine went to jail. Four await their sentencing soon, two haven’t pleaded yet, and two got deported later.
Police ask for public help and urge people to watch for cannabis factory signs. Report suspicious activity to the police. They have shared their operation results publicly and will continue to do so next year, aiming to make the area hostile to drug dealers.
Police will continue to fight gangs, and public tips can help greatly. They focus on those enabling crime. Landlords must do their homework well, as must those supplying growing equipment. Anyone profiting faces scrutiny too.