Police Crack Down on Drug Gangs, Seize £12 million Worth of Cannabis
In an effort to combat the rising threat of industrial-scale cannabis farms, police teams have taken down over £12 million worth of cannabis from the illegal supply chain in Wales. The Dyfed-Powys Police have targeted various buildings, from former schools to empty town centre shops, and even disused offices, successfully disrupting 37 commercial-sized cannabis farms over the past year. This crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals involved in organised crime gangs. The operations span across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, forming part of Operation Scotney, a CID-led initiative to tackle the surge in cannabis factories.
Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis detailed the origins of Operation Scotney, revealing that through proactive policing efforts, they uncovered large-scale cannabis factories scattered across seemingly unrelated areas. The police discovered thousands of cannabis plants during each raid, a highly unusual occurrence that led them to realise a connection between the factories, orchestrated by organised crime gangs infiltrating rural towns. Consequently, Operation Scotney was launched in early 2024 to combat this growing issue.
The most common signs of a cannabis factory, as identified by Dyfed-Powys Police, include unusual heat sources, pungent odours emitted by the plants, excessive garden waste disposal, bright lights in operation round the clock, secretive behaviours like covered windows, irregular electricity consumption leading to power cuts, and suspicious visitor patterns. Operation Scotney, led by the criminal investigation department, involves a collaborative effort between detectives, intelligence experts, and proactive officers to identify and dismantle these illicit cannabis farms before they reach full cultivation.
DCI Lewis highlighted the audacity of the criminals involved, noting that the cannabis factories were being set up in plain sight, including former schools, empty shops, and even a former newspaper office, some of which were located in town centres and close to police stations. The gangs disguised themselves as construction workers or landlords to avoid suspicion while setting up the operations. Despite their bold tactics, the police remain committed to thwarting their criminal activities.
Over the past year, 35 arrests have been made under Operation Scotney, resulting in 29 individuals being jailed, with the rest either awaiting sentencing, yet to enter a plea, or deported following the arrests. The police urge the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities related to cannabis production, and help disrupt these criminal networks. DCI Lewis emphasised the success of Operation Scotney and the force’s dedication to making the Dyfed-Powys area inhospitable to drug dealers.
As the crackdown on drug gangs continues, the focus remains on individuals enabling such criminal activities, including landlords, suppliers of equipment, and those profiting from renting out properties for illicit purposes. The police are determined to tackle the root causes of drug trafficking and call on the community to assist in their efforts to maintain a safe environment. Operation Scotney serves as a testament to the authorities’ commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and safeguarding the well-being of the local populace.
Stay informed with local news and developments by joining our WhatsApp community for timely updates and special offers. Together, we can work towards a drug-free community and a safer future for all residents.
—
This news article highlights the proactive approach taken by law enforcement to dismantle illegal cannabis farms in Wales. By launching Operation Scotney, the police have successfully disrupted criminal networks and seized a significant amount of illicit drugs. The collaboration between various departments and the public’s vigilance are crucial in combating drug-related crimes and ensuring community safety.