More than 300 plants found in drug raid

Police have uncovered a significant cannabis-growing operation in the heart of Newtown, as over 300 cannabis plants were found across four storeys of a building on Clifton Terrace.

Following a warrant execution on February 18 at 12 pm, one man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis production and remains in police custody.

Firearm officers, plain clothes detectives, and dog handlers were all part of the raid carried out in the centre of Newtown.

Operation Scotney is an initiative by Dyfed Powys Police aimed at addressing the surge of cannabis farms in town centers in Mid Wales. The recent warrant at Clifton Terrace marks another step in the operation's ongoing efforts.

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police stated, "Officers estimate in excess of 300 cannabis plants over four storeys. This operation, involving various police units, is part of our commitment to tackling drug-related activities in Newtown."

Operation Scotney, initiated in January 2024, has been instrumental in seizing drugs worth millions of pounds in numerous raids across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys.

Residents and visitors of Newtown are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities as the fight against drug-related crimes continues in the region.