Large cannabis grow found at former Newport department store building

Police say more than 3000 plants were discovered

Author: Gavin RutterPublished 14th Oct 2023

Two men have been charged following the discovery of a large cannabis cultivation in the old Wildings building in Commercial Street, Newport.

A 27-year-old and a 28-year-old from Newport were charged with producing a controlled Class B drug – cannabis and have been remanded into custody.

The cannabis cultivation was discovered in the disused shop on Tuesday 10 October following reports of suspicious activity in the building.

Officers found more than 3,000 cannabis plants at the property and arrested two men on suspicion of producing cannabis, they have since been charged and are due to appear in court on Thursday 9 November.

PC Mathew Tucker, the officer in the case said: “Every cannabis factory we dismantle helps prevent a vicious cycle of crime. By disrupting the source of the operations, the plants are stopped from being sold into our communities and the profits are prevented from going on to fund other crime.

“The public play an important role in providing information and we encourage anyone with concerns to get in touch.

“If something doesn’t feel right, it might not be. Don’t wait, report it.

“You can do this by calling 101, sending us a message on social media, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

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