Over 950 plants found in cannabis factory near Welshpool
A large cannabis factory over 950 plants inside it was uncovered by officers in a raid near Welshpool.
Police have revealed that a visit by an officer to a suspect isolated property in the Foel area over the weekend revealed a large-scale cannabis factory, housing 969 cannabis plants of varying stages of growth were located, as well as extensive heating and lighting systems.
Officers said it was found that electricity had also been abstracted illegally.
Although officers have provided no figure for the street value of the drugs, they say the seizure is "suspected to be worth a significant amount of money".
No details on arrests have been released by police yet.
PCSO Richard Waldron said: "Cannabis farms fund the lifestyles of criminals and can have a damaging effect on the community they are located in.
"The growing of cannabis can pose a significant fire hazard due to the methods used by those whose only interest is to make money. Nobody wants to live next door to a cannabis farm and we would ask that if you believe a property is being used for this reason please tell us so we can take positive actions and find those responsible."
Dyfed-Powys Police have advised members of the public what to look out for if they suspect a cannabis farm in their area.
These include a strong and sickly sweet smell, cannabis growing equipment being taken into a property such as industrial size lighting, fans and plant feed, constantly covered or blocked-off windows, unsociable coming and goings or neighbours you never see, strong and constant lighting day and night, high levels of heat and condensation, a constant buzz of ventilation as the 'farmers' try to create the ideal climate for plants to grow, an excessive amount of cables as criminals will dig underground to lay cables to things like lamp posts so they don't have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use and the use of CCTV cameras in unusual places.
PCSO Waldron added: "Individually these may seem commonplace, however together they may indicate something more sinister."
Anyone with any information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
