IN THE LARGEST ever raid of its kind for the force, Dyfed-Powys Police have uncovered a ‘cannabis factory’ located on a small holding between Narberth and Whitland, which they say produced an estimated £3.5m of the drug between 2015 and 2020.

A family, originally from Portsmouth, who moved to the farmstead in 2015 have been arrested and placed on bail for the last nine months.

On Wednesday (Jul 14) five people separately appeared in front of the bench at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court to face charges relating to the production and supply of a class B drug, and having a large quantity of criminal funds.

Edward Robert McCann, 61, company director of Orbis Mobile Technologies Ltd based in Hampshire was first in the dock.

He as charged with four counts of conspiracy to supply a class B drug on various dates between 2013, two years before the family moved to the farm, and from 2015 to 2020, when at the farm.

The Crown also allege that Edward McCann, wearing a blue sweatshirt over a white casual shirt and standing with the aid of a crutch, had a large amount of cash he could not account for, namely £185,000 in his bank account when the Inland Revenue say his income was only £7189.

A bail application was made by a Mr Butler, solicitor representing all the McCann family. He argued that McCann Snr was not a flight risk, and that he had been on bail already for several months with no problems. Mr Butler pointed to the fact that his client had no previous criminal convictions and has been held in high esteem in society by serving his country in the military and through his businesses interests.

Addressing the bench, Mr Butler added: “Sir, I do not want to address too much regards the evidence, that is a matter for later. My client has had his bail extended on two occasions, each time attending the police station without any problems. He is not a flight risk; he has always complied with what has been asked of him.”

Next to be brought into the dock was the son of the first defendant, Daniel McCann, 36, who is facing the same set of charges as his dad. The CPS said they consider him to be a “key player” in the cannabis farm, and police alleged there is a text message from a family member stating that McCann Jnr is “A ninja at making oil.”

One charge of allegedly handling a substantial amount of cash because of criminal activity is linked to £245,527 the police seized from his bank account.

Daniel McCann, who described himself in court as a male escort, but also claims to ex-special forces, said through his solicitor that he had no previous convictions, and that funds in his bank were from his work. An application for bail was refused by the bench on the grounds that the defendant “was a light risk and the possibility of colluding with other witnesses.”

Both defendants had bail refused and were remanded in custody. They are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 11.

At the time of going to press the court hearing was ongoing, and three other defendants were being brough up to be dealt with in connection with the case.

ORIGINAL REPORT FROM TIME OF RAID

FIVE people have been arrested in connection with the discovery of a large amount of cannabis in Carmarthenshire.

Dyfed-Powys Police carried out a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at an address in between Narberth and Whitland, on the morning of Friday, October 23.

Officers found a significant number of mature cannabis plants, with a sophisticated hydroponics set-up, numerous bags of cannabis bud, and cannabis resin.

Police seized electronic devices, several thousands of pounds in cash and silver bars, as well as vehicles under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Five people – a 58-year-old woman and four men aged 28, 30, 60 and 61 – were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply.

They have been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Rhys Jones said: “This is an example of excellent collaborative work between a number of different departments in the force, which has taken a significant amount of drugs off the streets.

“As our investigation into this cannabis cultivation continues, we ask anyone with information that could help enquiries to please get in touch.

“We urge anyone with information about suspicious or unusual activity in rural areas report it to us, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

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