Cannabis plants worth estimated £100,000 found in Carmarthen

A man has been charged to appear at court after police found a cannabis factory with plants worth an estimated £100,000 in a Carmarthen house.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers uncovered the cultivation in Picton Place on Monday, May 4.

The officers had been speaking with people living in the street when a man was seen jumping from one garden to the next. After he was stopped by police, a second man was seen running from the house.

On entering the house, a large cannabis cultivation set-up was found, with just short of 100 fully matured plants, 40 saplings, lighting and extraction equipment.

Elson Gjikolaj, aged 27, was arrested and later charged with producing a controlled drug of class B.

A second man was located and arrested a short while later. He has been released under investigation.

Further enquiries were carried out with the landlord of the property, who confirmed a third resident lived at the address. He was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs, and upon arrest two mobile phone and scales were located within his vehicle. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Justin Ellerton said: “A substantial amount of cannabis has been seized from the property and early indications suggest the value could be towards £100,000 based on approximately 100 plants found inside. This is to be confirmed in due course.

“Due to the nature of the property the cannabis plants were found in, we are appealing to landlords to be vigilant over who is living in their properties. If there is any indication that someone is sub-letting your property, please check it out and contact police if you have suspicions over any criminal activity.

“In this case, a multi-department approach, with many officers involved, has ensured that prompt, positive action could be taken.”