AROUND 3,000 cannabis plants have been found growing in a former bingo hall in Broad Street, Barry.
Police were called to the property at midday on Monday, 13th March, following concerns raised by the National Grid in relation to the electricity supply.
A substantial cannabis factory, one of the largest cannabis factories in Barry in recent years, spanning over six floors and 20 rooms, was found in the premises.
Each plant has a street value of around £1,000.
While no-one was present, there were several beds along with kitchen facilities, food and clothing indicating people had been staying there.
The property has now been made safe and the cannabis has been destroyed. Work is on-going to dismantle the factory which includes thousands of pounds worth of equipment from lighting to fans to fertiliser.
Enquiries are on-going to identify and arrest those involved in the cultivation.
PC Beth Harrison said: “Many people think it is ‘just a bit of cannabis’ but any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm.
“These large operations are often run by organised crime gangs, who are likely to engage in very serious violence.
“The electrical requirements to grow this many plants are also really dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger.
“We would encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in their neighbourhood to us, as the information helps us develop a bigger picture that leads us to take action and remove drugs from the streets.”
Anyone with information about this cannabis factory is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence 2300081223.
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