Officers swooped on the former Marks & Spencer store on Green Street, which has stood empty since May, after locals tipped off the Neighbourhood Policing Team about suspicious goings-on behind the boarded-up windows.
A 34-year-old man was spotted acting shiftily near the site and was arrested on the spot for burglary. But what came next stunned even seasoned officers.
Inside the cavernous building, cops uncovered a sprawling network of commercial rooms rigged for industrial-scale cannabis cultivation — complete with ducting, filtration units, and enough power cabling to light up half the town. No drugs were found, but police say the setup was “days away” from going live.
The suspect was further arrested on suspicion of being involved in the production of cannabis and remains in custody.
(Image: South Wales Police)
(Image: South Wales Police)
(Image: South Wales Police)
(Image: South Wales Police)
“Could’ve been South Wales’ biggest ever grow”
Inspector Ryan Davies said the bust was “a textbook example of community intelligence and rapid police action,” adding:
“This could’ve become the largest cannabis factory South Wales has ever seen — worth millions in criminality and exploiting vulnerable people to take the risk while others reap the rewards.”
He praised residents for their support during the high-profile raid, which unfolded in broad daylight in the heart of Neath’s shopping district.
“We acted fast, and we shut it down before it started. That’s a win for the town.”
