POLICE have confirmed that a raid on a cannabis farm above a Powys bank resulted in a haul of approximately 2,000 cannabis plants, worth more than £1 million.
Dyfed-Powys Police officers raided the flats above the HSBC branch in Llandrindod Wells at around 10am on Thursday morning (April 4) after acting on information.
A plethora of mature cannabis plants were discovered in multiple rooms, on three floors, throughout the Middleton Street property.
They arrested two males inside the property, although police confirmed the two men have since been released and are now in the hands of the Border Force Agency.
“Dyfed Powys Police executed a warrant at HSBC Bank, Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells, on April 4,” said the force in a statement released today.
“A large hydroponic set up was located with approximately 2,000 cannabis plants in situ, worth more than £1 million pounds.
“Two males, aged 28 and 30, were arrested from the location, however, have since been released with no further action and have now been conveyed to Border Force agency.
“Further enquiries carried out will consider if any modern day slavery offences have been committed by anyone involved in this set up.
“Officers remain at the scene whilst items are removed and immobilised.
“Officers continue to conduct enquiries in relation to this investigation to ascertain the persons involved.
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“Local officers would like to thank the community for their support and will continue to be present in the community whilst the building is secured.”
Unlike previous hauls elsewhere in Powys in recent months, such as the former HSBC building in Welshpool and the old County Times offices, also in Welshpool, the Llandrindod cannabis farm was discovered above a branch of HSBC that remains open.
Staff and customers were still using the branch on Thursday as officers stood guard outside and inspected the drugs upstairs.
Dyfed Powys Police contacted the County Times and invited a reporter to explore the building as officers were combing through the sizeable amount of plants.
If anyone has any information that may support officers in their investigation, they are asked to contact police, either through a direct message on social media, online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, email 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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