Crime
Man jailed for growing £500,000 worth of drugs in Pembroke
A MAN has been jailed after police uncovered a cannabis farm worth up to £500,000 at a former Lloyds Pharmacy in Pembroke.
Amarildo Daja, 27, was arrested during a raid at the vacant Main Street property at around 10:00am on Friday, October 18. Inside, officers found 575 cannabis plants spread across three rooms on the first floor. Daja pleaded guilty to being involved in the production of cannabis and was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Judge Geraint Walters.
RAID AND ARREST
Swansea Crown Court heard that Daja initially tried to flee when officers arrived but returned inside and hid in the ceiling. After being coaxed down with a ladder, he was arrested. Prosecutor Harry Dickens said Daja had been living at the property to tend to the cannabis plants, and the building’s electricity supply had been tampered with to avoid detection.
Two mobile phones were seized at the scene, but one had been wiped, and the other was damaged.
PLANTS AND STREET VALUE
A drugs expert estimated that the plants could produce between 15 and 45 kilograms of cannabis, with a potential street value ranging from £170,000 to over £500,000.
In police interviews, Daja admitted paying a criminal gang to smuggle him into the UK via lorry. He initially worked in London to repay his debt but struggled to make enough money and agreed to work at the Pembroke cannabis farm three months before his arrest.
DEFENCE AND SENTENCING
Caitlin Brazel, defending, said Daja’s involvement in the operation was a mistake and out of character. “He is disheartened to have tarnished his good character,” she said, adding that he was realistic about receiving a custodial sentence.
Judge Walters expressed concerns about the broader issue of criminal gangs operating cannabis farms, stating: “If we want to bring down the Albanian criminal gangs that set up cannabis factories, we are going to have to find the ringleaders rather than just those who arrive on the back of a lorry.”
The judge also noted that Daja’s deportation upon release would be a matter for the Home Office.
DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Precelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).
Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
POLICE are investigating the theft of a motorbike from the A470 near Storey Arms, close to Brecon.
The Lexmoto LXR, described as blue and silver in colour, was awaiting recovery when it was stolen sometime between 9:00pm on Tuesday (Apr 8) and 11:00am on Wednesday (Apr 9).
Officers are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A470 during that time and may have seen anything suspicious.
Dash cam footage could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via:
| Online form
| 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| 101
Quote reference: 25*307219
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