A bumper crop of cannabis farms has been uncovered across Wales in 2025. Police forces have busted numerous large-scale illegal cultivation operations. These findings highlight a trending issue of organized crime involvement. The news paints a picture of sophisticated setups.
Widespread Busts Across Wales
Police have discovered commercial cultivation operations in various locations. These include former restaurants, farmhouses, and even buildings beneath city center hotels. The combined value of the seized cannabis plants runs into millions of pounds. These farms often feature extensive growing equipment. They utilize hydroponic lights and advanced ventilation systems. Many also involved bypassed electricity meters. The setups were often spread across multiple floors of properties.
In one significant bust in Swansea, police found over 900 cannabis plants. This operation spanned three floors of a former restaurant. Another raid in Carmarthenshire uncovered nearly 600 plants. This was found in a disused tyre center. A property in Bronington revealed 2,000 plants in a sophisticated operation. Police also found a farm with 274 plants across four floors in Newtown. A rural property near Kidwelly housed 194 plants. In Bridell, Cardigan, 260 mature plants were discovered. A former New Look shop in Bangor housed a sophisticated plantation. Furthermore, a disused building on Bridge Street, Newport, yielded around 2,000 plants. A former M&S store in Neath was being converted into a potential large-scale farm.
Organized Crime Involvement
Many of these large-scale operations are run by organized crime groups (OCGs). These groups use profits from the cannabis trade. They fund other criminal activities. Gangs often have links to international people smugglers. These smugglers bring individuals into the UK illegally. Several Albanian nationals have been arrested and sentenced for their involvement. They were often found working as “gardeners” in these farms. Many had entered the UK illegally. Some were failed asylum seekers. Their defenses often highlighted debt to people traffickers.
Tools and Equipment Used
The farms employed sophisticated tools and equipment. These included advanced hydroponic lights. Ventilation systems were used to manage heat and humidity. Power was often illegally diverted. Electricity meters were frequently bypassed. This created a fire risk. The scale of these operations suggests significant investment. They were designed for mass production. Police are continually assessing intelligence. They act swiftly when evidence is found.
Implications and Wider Context
These busts disrupt organized criminal activity. The cannabis trade fuels other serious crimes. This includes violence and human trafficking. Police forces are working together. Operations like “Operation Scotney” have been successful. Dyfed-Powys Police seized over £12 million in cannabis. They disrupted 37 farms in one year. South Wales Police arrested 39 people. They closed seven county lines during a week of action. The value of seized plants ranges from hundreds of thousands to over a million pounds per bust. The overall value of farms uncovered in 2025 is in the many millions.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Police urge the public to be vigilant. They provide signs to spot potential cannabis factories. These include a strong smell, condensation on windows, and frequent visitors at odd hours. Increased electricity usage is also a tell-tale sign. Sharing information helps police disrupt these operations. Community intelligence is vital. It leads to action against these illegal enterprises. The fight against large-scale cannabis cultivation continues. This news underscores the ongoing efforts.
