POLICE who raided a factory in Penley uncovered the largest cannabis-growing set-up North East Wales has seen.
A warrant was executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act last Tuesday after a member of the public tipped off officers that the factory was being used to produce cannabis plants.
Indications show that the premises had been used to produce the plants for approximately 12 months, and the plants seized were at various stages of growth.
DC Mel Roberts, divisional drugs intelligence officer, said: 'This was a large, commercial operation. The cannabis seized alone is worth several thousand pounds, but the factory was capable of producing tens of thousands of pounds worth of cannabis.
'The plants are going to be taken away for analysis, but it seems that they are a particularly strong type known as 'skunk'.'
The factory housed extremely sophisticated equipment, with the specialist lighting estimated to have cost £3,000-£4,000. Police also discovered a specialist watering system and a drying room, used to dry the buds of the plants.
DC Roberts said: 'There is evidence nationally that criminal gangs are growing 'skunk' because they can get a high price for it.'
PC Martin Jones assisted in the raid and said: 'The whole thing was brought about by a member of the public. This is the biggest set-up of its kind I've ever seen. It's an excellent result.'
No arrests have been made, as yet, and police are continuing their inquiries. * Police are asking anyone who has information about the operation to contact them at Wrexham police station on 0845 6071001 (English language line) or 0845 6071002 (Welsh language line); or to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
