Police warn over cannabis homes

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The 46th cannabis factory in 15 months has been found by police at a house in Swansea.

Officers discovered hundreds of plants at the property in the Bonymaen area of the city. A man, 35, was arrested.

It was the second time in two days that a plantation of the Class C drug was found in the area.

Police are urging landlords to be wary of tenants who pay cash in advance and are then difficult to contact for site visits.

Officers described the premises as a "fully functioning cannabis plantation" and in "an advanced state of cultivation".

Electricity utility officials said cable connections in the property were "extremely hazardous".

The force said it had identified 45 other cannabis factories since January 2007.

'Fire hazard'

Acting Supt Peter Azzopardi said criminal gangs renting properties with the purpose of growing the drug, "turned (them) into a sophisticated greenhouse".

He said: "All rooms within the house are utilised for the purpose of growing cannabis plants with the assistance of sophisticated hydroponics equipment and lighting with damage being caused worth thousands of pounds.

"Invariably the electricity supply is bypassed in such a way that there is a very real fire hazard."

Anyone with information about drugs activity in Swansea is urged to contact Swansea Police on 01792 456999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111