29/6/2007

South Wales Police in Cardiff have recovered hundreds of cannabis plants as part of its campaign to take organised criminals and drugs off the streets.

501 plants, at varying stages of maturity and some as high as 4.5 feet tall, were found at a rented house in Clarence Embankment, Cardiff Bay, last Thursday 21st June.

Police began the raid at lunchtime, 12.30pm and finished at 7pm, after a member of public rang them with the information.

15 officers from the Cardiff Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Operational Support Team, and the Scenes of Crime Team took part in the operation to preserve the evidence and remove specialist equipment, electrical wiring, lighting equipment and ventilation systems.

The cannabis plants filled five separate rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors of the 3-story end of terrace property, and are estimated to be worth tens of thousands of pounds. They have now been sent for analysis.

Responsible for policing Cardiff Bay, Inspector Tony Bishop said,

“This factory was a sophisticated operation.�

"This seizure came as a result of information from the public and shows the important role the public can play in being our eyes and ears and providing intelligence to combat crime.�

"Enquiries are ongoing to arrest those responsible for setting up this factory.�

"We are committed to putting a stop to these cannabis factories and urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact us.�

Neighbourhood Policing Officer in Cardiff Bay, PC Chris Evans said,

“A typical cannabis factory usually has the following tell-tale signs:

The house/premise is usually being rented
The curtains are always drawn
Nobody lives there yet people visit the house to feed and water the plants
You may notice an unusual smell
You may notice building and construction work, which would have taken place to install the ventilation and lighting systems.�
If anyone does become suspicious, please contact police on (01656) 655 555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.