POLICE discovered a huge cannabis factory at a property in Barry after concerns from a neighbouring business of constant water leaks.

Around 300 plants were found on Thursday, November 23, growing above a business in Holton Road. Police were called to the property at 1pm following concerns raised by Cerebral Palsy Cymru of a leak above their shop.

Officers say that the factory was spread across three floors of the building above the shop and eight rooms.

An eyewitness at the scene said: “Somebody left the tap running upstairs and I went into the charity shop to look, and you can see that water was coming through to the shop.

“I told them to phone the police as it could be dangerous and cause a fire."

Police say there wasn't anyone in the property at the time of the raid, and several items were seized for examination. The property was made safe and the cannabis destroyed.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Around 300 cannabis plants have been found growing in a property in Holton Road, Barry. Police were called to the property at around 1pm on November 23 following concerns about a constant water leak from the property.

“A cannabis factory spanning over three floors and eight rooms was found in the premises. While no-one was present, several items have been seized for examination. The property has now been made safe and the cannabis has been destroyed. Enquiries are on-going to identify and arrest those involved.

“Any production of drugs is linked to hidden harm and cannabis factories are often run by organised crime gang. The electrical requirements to grow this many plants are also really dangerous and can be a huge fire risk, putting neighbouring properties, and lives, in danger.”

Police are encouraging people to continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in their neighbourhood to them, as the information will help police develop a bigger picture that leads them to take action and remove drugs from the streets.