Dyfed Powys Police have made seven arrests and seized nearly £1 million worth of drugs in a series of raids across Wales. The crackdown on cannabis factories in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Powys was part of Operation Mille 3, a nationwide effort to disrupt large-scale drug production by organised crime networks. Over seven days, police raided six properties, resulting in arrests and charges for six individuals involved in cannabis production.
The operation involved various police teams, including the Criminal Investigation Department, proactive policing officers, neighbourhood policing and prevention, armed response, dog handlers, and drone pilots. Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis highlighted the importance of disrupting organised criminal activity through the seizure and destruction of significant amounts of cannabis. The police are committed to stamping out commercial cannabis growth and are vigilant in identifying and targeting those involved in illegal drug production.
One of the initial raids took place on Cambrian Street, Llanelli, where officers discovered a cannabis factory in a rented terraced house. A total of 179 plants were found in various rooms, with an estimated street value of £61,600. The property had been extensively modified for cultivation, with evidence of unlawful electricity abstraction and concealed growing equipment. A man was charged with cannabis production following the raid.
The following day, a warrant was executed at a rural property near Kidwelly, resulting in the discovery of 194 cannabis plants and the arrest of two individuals. The estimated street value of the seized drugs was £264,100. Another raid at Mansel Street, Burry Port led to the seizure of nearly 170 cannabis plants worth around £166,000. A man was arrested and charged in connection with cannabis production.
In another operation, the police raided a property on Gilbert Crescent, Llanelli, uncovering almost 150 cannabis plants with a potential value of up to £113,000. Additionally, a significant raid at Clifton Terrace, Newtown, revealed 274 cannabis plants valued at over £255,000. A man was arrested and charged with cannabis production in connection with this operation.
A further raid in Llanfihangel-ar-Arth, Ceredigion, resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old woman on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity. The police seized cannabis plants, growing equipment, and mobile devices during the operation. Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis emphasized the importance of community vigilance in identifying signs of cannabis factories in residential areas.
The police highlighted common indicators of cannabis cultivation, such as unusual heat and smells, discarded gardening waste, excessive lighting, secrecy, electricity tampering, and suspicious visitor patterns. The public was encouraged to report any concerns or information related to illegal drug production in their communities. Dyfed Powys Police underlined their commitment to tackling drug-related crime and urged residents to remain vigilant to protect their neighbourhoods.
The successful raids and arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive policing strategies in combating organised crime networks involved in drug production. The police continue to gather intelligence and collaborate across various departments to disrupt illegal drug operations and ensure the safety and security of communities across Wales.