Man to be sentenced for cannabis farm found in Penarth

On June 20, there was a large police presence outside the former HSBC building on Stanwell Road, where it was revealed a cannabis farm was operating.

Florian Qalliu, 35, from Cardiff, is due to appear at crown court in August to be sentenced for the crime.

At a town council meeting held on Thursday July 18, officers gave a little more insight into how they busted the drug operation running in the centre of ‘perfect Penarth’.

“The frequency of the smell is very distinct and that smell permeating over prolonged periods of time makes it more suspect,” said the officer representing South Wales Police at the latest Penarth Town Council.

“That with the wiring they used, they basically got an extension lead going straight into the building. It did not look very professional.”

South Wales Police revealed £300,000 worth of cannabis and 600 plants were seized.

A cannabis farm was found in the town in June (Image: Newsquest)

Cannabis farm operating in the centre of Penarth

On June 20, there was a large police presence in the centre of town outside the former HSBC building on Stanwell Road.

Stanwell Road is a picturesque street with stunning Victorian buildings and established independent businesses.

However, lurking, amongst those innocent businesses was a major drugs operation.

£300,000 of cannabis was found, police say (Image: SWP)

Florian Qalliu will be sentenced at crown court (Image: SWP)

Several police vans and National Grid staff remained at the old HSBC building for several hours to make it safe.

At the time, South Wales Police said: "Officers attended the former HSBC building on Herbert Terrace at around 1.30pm on Thursday, June 20, following reports from the community of a strong smell of cannabis.

"They discovered around 500 cannabis plants, a temporary kitchen, bedroom, and laundry room.

"Plant feed and other growing materials were found in the corridors, and a man was arrested.

"The cannabis has been seized and the property has been made safe.

"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.

"We would encourage people to please continue to report suspicious behaviour and suspected drug dealing in their neighbourhood to us."