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Crime

Three men jailed for £620,000 cannabis production at former Llandysul school

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THREE men have been sentenced for producing cannabis worth up to £620,000 at a former school building in Llandysul.

Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, were each sentenced to two years and six months in prison, while Armeld Troski, 29, received a three-year and four-month prison sentence.

The operation followed a warrant executed by Dyfed-Powys Police on Friday, November 15, 2024, after reports from the public about suspicious activity at the site. Upon entry, officers discovered a large-scale and sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup spanning three floors. The building had been heavily modified to accommodate the illegal operation.

Llandysul school burned down after the cannabis grow was discovered (Pic: Herald)

Arrests made after pursuit

During their search of the property, officers heard movement downstairs and arrested two individuals, Njazi and Armeld, on-site. A third man, later identified as Ervin Gjana, escaped by climbing over a wire fence and fleeing into nearby fields. However, police used a drone and conducted a physical search, eventually locating Gjana on a roadside. He was soaking wet and scratched from brambles when arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

All three men were charged with producing a Class B drug and pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, December 20, 2024.

The police took photos after the grow was discovered (Pic: DPP)

Police praise public for vigilance

Detective Constable Ben Nicholls said: “I’d like to thank the Llandysul community for their vigilance and proactivity in reporting suspicious activity to police.

“The information we receive from members of the community helps us build the picture of illegal activity that allows us to execute warrants such as this to ensure our area remains hostile to those who deal drugs.

“Monday’s sentencing serves as a reminder of our dedication to removing and preventing harmful substances damaging our communities, and we thank the public for the crucial role they play in this work.”

Signs of cannabis cultivation

Police encourage the public to report any concerns or suspicions about cannabis cultivation. Indicators include:

  • A distinctive aroma coming from a property and noises from ventilation fans.
  • Blacked-out windows to avoid detection.
  • People and vehicles arriving at odd hours.
  • Bright lights on continuously in seemingly vacant properties.
  • Excessive condensation on windows.
  • Unusual wiring or bypassed electricity meters.
  • ‘Garden’ rubbish, such as plant pots, fertiliser, and chemicals.

Any information, no matter how small, could assist in tackling drug-related crime. Reports can be made via:

🖥️ | Online contact
📧 | [email protected]
💬 | Social media direct messages
📞 | Non-emergency: 101

For the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired: text 07811 311 908.

For updates on local policing, appeals, and events, follow Lampeter, Aberaeron, and Llandysul Police on Facebook.

Crime

35 arrests as police disrupt £12 million cannabis operation

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE has carried out its most significant drugs operation to date, seizing more than £12 million worth of cannabis and dismantling 37 large-scale cannabis farms across the force area. The crackdown, named Operation Scotney, has resulted in 35 arrests and the disruption of organised crime gangs operating in rural communities.

Cannabis farm found at Main Street, Pembroke (Picture: M Cavaney/Herald)

Operation Scotney

Raiding sites including former schools, empty town centre shops, and a disused newspaper office, police have uncovered thousands of cannabis plants and tonnes of commercial heating and lighting equipment.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Lewis explained how the operation began: “Through proactive policing, we noticed a rise in large-scale cannabis factories being discovered in seemingly unrelated locations. The scale was unprecedented, with thousands of plants found in each warrant. It quickly became clear that these factories were linked, run by organised crime groups from outside the force area, aiming to evade detection in our rural towns.”

In response, Operation Scotney was launched in early 2024, bringing together detectives, intelligence experts, and proactive policing officers to locate and disrupt these operations before the cannabis could be cultivated.

Police at the former Woolworth’s building, Pembroke Dock (Image: Herald)

Organised crime hiding in plain sight

The criminal networks behind these farms have been using increasingly brazen tactics, setting up operations in town centres and even on the same street as a police station. DCI Lewis said: “We’ve found cannabis factories in former schools, empty shops, and a disused newspaper office, all in public areas where it would be difficult to go unnoticed. These gangs disguise themselves as construction workers or landlords, wearing high-visibility vests and moving large boxes into buildings in broad daylight to avoid suspicion.”

A striking example occurred in Newcastle Emlyn, where officers discovered 400 cannabis plants just four doors down from the local police station.

Passers by said that the former Mojo’s in Milford Haven was “stinking of skunk” (Picture: Herald)

Crackdown yields major arrests

Over the past year, Operation Scotney has led to the arrests of 35 individuals. Twenty-nine have been jailed, four are awaiting sentencing, two are yet to enter pleas, and two others have been deported.

Carmarthenshire court results:

  • King Street, Carmarthen:
    • Jurgen Kodra: Jailed for 2 years, 4 months for production of cannabis.
  • Old Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen:
    • Nurdin Hoxha: Charged with production of cannabis – sentencing on March 7.
  • Gordon Road, Llanelli:
    • Argil Bushi: Jailed for 20 months for production of cannabis.
    • Aldi Xhaferri: Jailed for 9 months for production of cannabis.
  • Craddock Street, Llanelli:
    • Blerjan Dedja: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
  • Bigyn Road, Llanelli:
    • Franko Sulovari: Jailed for 18 months for production of cannabis.
  • Mountain Gate Inn, Ammanford:
    • Beni Mirashi: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
  • Maes Y Wern, Carway:
    • Viktor Gjeloshi: Jailed for 15 months for production of cannabis.
    • Nikoll Necaj: Jailed for 6 months for production of cannabis.
    • Eduart Nenfusho: Jailed for 15 months for production of cannabis.
  • Vaughan Street, Llanelli:
    • Hazis Rapi: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.

Ceredigion court results:

  • Former Llandysul school:
    • Alfred Perkola: Conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Sentencing on February 26, 2025.
    • Aldi Gjegjaj: Conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Sentencing on February 26, 2025.
  • Former Llandysul school (second warrant):
    • Armeld Troski: Jailed for 40 months for production of cannabis.
    • Njazi Gjana: Jailed for 30 months for production of cannabis.
    • Ervin Gjana: Jailed for 30 months for production of cannabis.

Pembrokeshire court results:

  • Honeyborough Industrial Estate, Neyland:
    • Zhupa Gentian: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
    • Ergest Mucopata: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
  • Stop search, Cleddau Bridge:
    • Albert Nikolla: Jailed for 4 years, 3 months for possession with intent to supply and supply of cocaine.
    • Pajtim Meta: Jailed for 5 years for possession with intent to supply and supply of cocaine.
  • India Row, Monkton, Pembroke:
    • Sergej Zakacura: Jailed for 7 years, 3 months for production of cannabis.
  • North Crescent, Haverfordwest:
    • Shahin Mustaj: Jailed for 8 months for production of cannabis.
  • Treowen Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock:
    • Ervis Kerciku: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
  • JP Scaffolding yard, Honeyborough:
    • Flamur Vengo: Jailed for 24 months for production of cannabis.
    • Nertil Dallenga: Jailed for 24 months for production of cannabis.
  • Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock:
    • Armando Beti: Jailed for 2 years, 8 months for being concerned in production of cannabis.
  • Main Street, Pembroke:
    • Amarildo Daja: Jailed for 12 months for being concerned in production of cannabis.
  • Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock:
    • Esmirald Dedej: Charged with production of cannabis and remanded in custody.
    • Arsen Tanasica: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.

Powys court results:

  • Former County Times building, Welshpool:
    • Dino Marku: Jailed for 18 months for production of cannabis.
  • Former County Times building (second warrant):
    • Kastriot Gega: Jailed for 6 months for production of cannabis.
  • Broad Street, Welshpool:
    • Alban Qemalli: Jailed for 22 months for being concerned in production of cannabis.
  • High Street, Welshpool:
    • Kladji Toci: Jailed for 16 months for being concerned in production of cannabis.
  • Former HSBC bank, Llandrindod Wells:
    • Two men deported following arrest.

The force says it remains committed to disrupting organised crime and ensuring the safety of local communities.

Police officer at an illegal cannabis farm (Pic: Herald File image)

Can you help the police?

The most frequent signs of a cannabis factory are:

  • HEAT: Cannabis plants need heat to grow. You may see condensation on windows or notice that ice and snow is missing on rooftops in the winter.
  • SMELL: Cannabis plants have a strong smell, which is stronger in the last three months of growth.
  • RUBBISH: Lots of ‘garden’ rubbish dumped outside such as plant pots, compost and empty plant food containers.
  • LIGHT: Cannabis needs bright lights 24 hours a day to grow. You may also hear noise from fans.
  • SECRECY: Windows might be covered up to hide illegal activity, or extra locks installed.
  • ELECTRICITY: Your street may be suffering from frequent and unusual power cuts as electricity meters are bypassed.
  • VISITORS: Are people coming and going, possibly at odd hours? Are the lights constantly on but nobody appears to be there?

If you have any information or concerns to share, contact Dyfed-Powys Police in the following ways:

Report online | https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Email | [email protected]

Call | 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Crime

More than 2,000 child sexual abuse image crimes recorded in Wales last year

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Private messaging platforms exploited by criminals

MORE than 2,000 child sexual abuse image offences were recorded by police forces in Wales over the past year, according to Home Office data. The figures highlight the exploitation of private messaging platforms by criminals to share illegal material, prompting renewed calls for stronger regulations.

The NSPCC has urged the UK Government to take decisive action to protect children in private messaging environments. The charity, along with Barnardo’s and the Marie Collins Foundation, has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, calling for Ofcom’s approach to private messaging to be strengthened.

Six offences recorded daily

The data shows that 2,194 child sexual abuse image crimes were recorded by Welsh police forces in 2023/24, equating to around six offences per day.

  • Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 192 offences.
  • South Wales Police recorded 964 offences.
  • North Wales Police recorded 535 offences.
  • Gwent Police recorded 503 offences.

A separate Freedom of Information request by the NSPCC revealed that, in cases where police documented the platform used by perpetrators, half (50%) of offences occurred on Snapchat. Meta platforms accounted for a quarter of cases, with 11% on Instagram, 7% on Facebook, and 6% on WhatsApp.

Call for stronger protections

In their letter to the Government, child protection charities expressed concerns over Ofcom’s Illegal Harms Code of Practice, published in December 2024. The charities argue that the code does not go far enough to protect children from the worst forms of abuse on private messaging services, despite the Online Safety Act aiming to address such risks.

Ofcom has stated that platforms are only required to remove illegal content where it is ‘technically feasible’. However, campaigners warn that this loophole allows some services to avoid implementing basic protections for children.

Police data suggests that private messaging platforms are involved in more child sexual abuse image crimes than any other type of online platform. Offenders exploit the secrecy of these services to target children and avoid detection.

The role of end-to-end encryption

The NSPCC is calling on the UK Government to push Ofcom to strengthen its codes of practice and ensure online safety regulations adequately tackle this issue. The charity also wants private messaging services, including those using end-to-end encryption, to introduce robust safeguards.

End-to-end encryption is a secure communication system where only the sender and recipient can access messages, preventing service providers from detecting illegal content. This, campaigners argue, creates a ‘safe haven’ for child abusers.

Childline reports rise in cases

Data from Childline provides further evidence of the dangers of private messaging platforms. Last year, the service delivered 903 counselling sessions to children experiencing blackmail or threats to expose or share sexual images online—a 7% increase compared to 2022/23.

One 13-year-old girl who sought help from Childline said: “I sent nude pics and videos to a stranger I met on Snapchat. I think he’s in his thirties. I don’t know what to do next. I told him I didn’t want to send him any more pictures and he started threatening me, telling me that he’ll post the pictures online. I’m feeling really angry with myself and lonely. I would like support from my friends, but I don’t want to talk to them about it as I’m worried about being judged.”

NSPCC chief executive’s warning

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “These offences cause tremendous harm and distress to children, with much of this illegal material being repeatedly shared and viewed online. It is an outrage that in 2025 we are still seeing a blatant disregard from tech companies to prevent this illegal content from proliferating on their sites.

“Having separate rules for private messaging services lets tech bosses off the hook from putting robust protections in place. This enables crimes to continue to flourish on their platforms even though we now have the Online Safety Act.”

He added: “The Government must set out how they will take a bold stand against abuse on private messaging services and hold tech companies accountable for keeping children safe, even if it requires changes to the platform’s design. There can be no excuse for inaction or delay.”

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Crime

Mother accused of murdering six-year-old son set to appear in court

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A MOTHER accused of murdering her son and attempting to kill her father is set to appear in court next month.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, of Cwm Du Close, Gendros, Swansea, is charged with the murder of her six-year-old son, Alexander Zurawski, whose body was discovered at a property in Swansea in August last year. She is also accused of attempting to murder her father, 67-year-old Krzysztof Siwi, on the same occasion.

Zurawska was due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday but was not produced from custody. A plea hearing has now been scheduled for March 3. She remains in custody.

Following Alexander’s death, his family described him as a “very kind child”. They said: “Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts. Alexander was always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.

“Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong. He was amazing.”

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