More than 300 cannabis plants found at an Ystalyfera home

The force say that officers executed a warrant at an address on Wern Road in the village yesterday morning (21 February), and recovered more than 300 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.

Police say that 35 year-old Renald Pire has been charged concerning the production of Class B drugs and remains in custody.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: “Many people think it is ‘just a bit of cannabis’ but any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm. Operations are often run by organised crime gangs, who are likely to engage in very serious violence involving weapons, such as firearms.

“The electrical requirement to grow this many plants is also really dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger.

“We would encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in their neighbourhood to us, as the information helps us develop a bigger picture that leads us to take action and remove drugs from the streets.”