Big cannabis factory uncovered in historic pub building

A large drug factory in a historic building was uncovered after passers-by noticed a strong smell of cannabis. There were more than 400 cannabis plants in the Grade II-listed site that once housed the George pub in Pontypool's Commercial Street.

Police responded to locals' concerns over the smell and raided the property on Valentine's Day. They arrested Saimir Begu, 24, and Rugen Xhaferaj, 20, at the address, which had been converted into a sophisticated cannabis farm with a bypassed electricity system. The Edwardian Baroque red-brick building, which has elegantly carved stone features, dates back to 1905 and has been disused for years, with the exception of Begu and Xhaferaj's enterprise.

The pair pleaded guilty to cultivating and producing a class B and using electricity without authority. A Cardiff Crown Court judge jailed Begu for 31 weeks and sent Xhaferaj to a young offender institution for 30 weeks.

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PC Danielle Lundrigan, the officer in the case, said: “We continue to ask anyone with any information or concerns about drug dealing or supply in their community to get in touch with us. We’re committed to protecting our communities from drugs and the associated crime around supply, all of which can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, their communities and local businesses. Every cannabis factory we dismantle helps to prevent a vicious cycle of crime. By disrupting the source of the operations, the plants are stopped from an onward sale into our communities and the profits are prevented from going on to fund other crime.”

If you have any concerns about drugs in your area, you can let police know by calling 101. Alternatively, you can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.