Police have made a huge drug bust in Barry, South Wales, discovering a cannabis factory with an estimated street value of over £3m. The factory was discovered in a former bingo hall in Broad Street, Barry, following concerns raised by National Grid UK regarding the electricity supply to the building.
Upon further investigation, officers found around 3,000 cannabis plants growing in the premises, spread across six floors and 20 rooms. The factory was described as “substantial” and “one of the largest” in the town in recent years. Each plant was estimated to have a street value of around £1,000.
Although no one was found on the property at the time of the raid, police discovered several beds, kitchen facilities, and clothing, indicating that people have been staying there. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the cultivation.
The dismantling of the factory is still ongoing, with thousands of pounds worth of equipment, from lighting to fans to fertilisers, being removed from the premises. Police are warning that large drug operations are often run by organised crime gangs and pose significant dangers to the community. The electrical requirements to grow such a large number of plants are also hazardous and can increase the risk of fire.
PC Beth Harrison of South Wales Police has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or suspected drug dealing in their neighbourhood. She emphasised that the information provided by the public helps the police develop a bigger picture and take appropriate action to remove drugs from the streets.
It is crucial to recognise that drug production is linked to hidden harm and that the consequences of large-scale drug operations can be catastrophic. Organised crime gangs that run these operations are often involved in serious violence and pose a significant risk to the community. Therefore, it is important to report any suspicious behaviour, no matter how small it may seem, to help the police take action and keep our communities safe.
If you have any information regarding this cannabis factory, please contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence 2300081223.
