Police raids across Wales resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of nearly £1 million worth of cannabis.
The police did raids in three areas: Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Powys. They took part in a national operation that aimed to stop big cannabis farms run by crime groups.
The operation lasted seven days. Police raided six places and arrested seven people. Six got charged with making cannabis. Many teams worked together on this, including detectives and dog units.
Growing cannabis is a problem that has grown in the last year. Police are working to stop it by gathering info about these factories and quickly acting when they can.
The first raid was on February 17 on Cambrian Street, Llanelli. Police knew cannabis grew there because they smelled it right away. Police arrested someone and searched the house, discovering it was a cannabis factory with plants everywhere.
These plants were in the kitchen, bedrooms, and even the attic. The plant value was about £61,600. The house was very dangerous because electricity was stolen to power the grow.
The second raid was near Kidwelly. The police had a warrant, and detectives and dog handlers went to a rural property. Police found the homeowner in a mobile home and arrested him for producing cannabis. They also found another man inside the house.
The house was full of cannabis plants and growing equipment. Then, they found smaller plants in a storage container. Police seized 194 plants valued around £264,100. Two men were arrested and charged.
The police raided Mansel Street, Burry Port, on Friday, February 21. They arrested a man for growing cannabis, and he was later charged. They found almost 170 cannabis plants worth £166,000. The plants were entering the flowering stage.
The final raid was on Gilbert Crescent in Llanelli. Police found about 150 plants valued around £113,000. One man was arrested and charged.
The police raided Clifton Terrace in Newtown on Wednesday, February 19. They forced entry into the house, and a dog handler was also there. As police entered, a man ran, but officers caught him quickly. Then, they searched all the rooms and found many cannabis plants.
They seized 274 plants. The value exceeded £255,000. Police also seized phones and cash. The house had growing equipment and lights, and the electricity was illegally connected. A man got arrested and was charged with cannabis production.
Police raided Llanfihangel-ar-Arth on Thursday, February 20. They found cannabis inside the house and in an outside building. Police seized devices and equipment. A 49-year-old woman got arrested and is out on bail currently. The police keep investigating.
Police target town houses that people convert into cannabis farms. These houses look normal from outside, but there are signs to watch for. Contact the police if you suspect something.
Watch out for heat and smell. Look for rubbish or bright lights. Be aware of secrecy or power cuts and strange visitors. Contact the police with any concerns.