Crime
£595,000 cannabis farm found in abandoned Carmarthen tyre centre
Police seize 566 plants in major Johnstown drug bust
AN ABANDONED tyre centre in Johnstown, Carmarthen was the site of a major drugs raid last week, after Dyfed-Powys Police uncovered a sophisticated cannabis farm valued at nearly £600,000.
Officers discovered 566 cannabis plants inside the building on Wednesday (Mar 26) during an intelligence-led operation under the force’s ongoing Operation Scotney – a campaign aimed at dismantling industrial-scale cannabis grows run by organised crime groups.
Three men – Atnant Kuka, Edison Kuka, and Bobo Orgest – were arrested at the scene. All three have been charged with the production of cannabis and remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.
Police say the discovery is a significant blow to the criminal networks seeking to profit from the illegal drug trade in Carmarthenshire and the wider region.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “This seizure represents the success of proactive policing and partnership work in tackling organised criminality. The removal of such a large quantity of cannabis from circulation is a positive step towards protecting our communities.”
The force confirmed that the Carmarthenshire proactive policing team was instrumental in executing the warrant and bringing the operation to a close.
Authorities have praised the coordinated work between police departments and specialist units, highlighting the importance of surveillance, intelligence, and community reporting in cracking down on drug production sites.
Investigations into the wider network behind the grow are continuing.
A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.
Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).
The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.
He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.
A SWANSEA man failed to appear in court after being accused of refusing to comply with a marine enforcement officer.
Ieuan Rhys Davies, aged 29, of Seaview Terrace, Penclawdd, is accused of failing to stop his vessel when directed by Marine Enforcement Officer Matthew Dawkins on June 6, 2024.
The case, brought under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, was adjourned until May 1 at 2:00pm.
Magistrates have ordered that Davies must attend the next hearing or risk a warrant being issued for his arrest.
A PEMBROKE man has pleaded not guilty to drug-driving following an incident last summer.
Sean Agnew, aged 58, of Vetch Close, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3) for a further case management hearing.
He is accused of driving a Nissan Qashqai on Hywel Way, Pembroke, on August 1, 2024, while unfit through drugs. It is alleged that a blood test showed a level of Benzoylecgonine — a breakdown product of cocaine — at more than 92 micrograms per litre of blood, exceeding the specified legal limit.
The charge is brought under Section 5A(1)(a) and (2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Agnew entered a not guilty plea on February 4 and has been released on unconditional bail.
He is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 10) at 10:00am for a further case management hearing before District Judge J Layton. The case is expected to last 20 minutes.
Ella Passey appeared for the prosecution on behalf of CPS Wales (South West).
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