Cannabis factory discovered in disused shop in Stepney Street, Llanelli town centre

A THRIVING cannabis factory has been unearthed in an empty Llanelli town centre shop

Builders discovered nearly 500 cannabis plants growing in a former beauty salon in Stepney Street.

The news shocked store owners and shoppers, who were unaware of the booming drugs farm being run by two illegal immigrants just feet away from the high street.

Barbara Burns, 73, a volunteer at the neighbouring Oxfam store said: "I'm shocked, I can't believe it.

"It must have been going on for a long time for them to grow that much. I really am shocked and stunned."

Two Vietnamese men have each been jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to growing the drugs.

Du Nyugen, 45, and Van Le, 36, admitted being involved in producing 486 plants at disused shop The Beauty Spot, Swansea Crown Court heard last week.

Prosecutor John Lloyd said the pair had been living on Stepney Street and had knocked through a wall into the empty shop.

They had also tampered with electric supplies and installed lighting and water facilities to promote healthy growth, the court heard.

Shoppers and traders were shocked to hear of the drugs hoard shooting up in Llanelli.

Diana Jones, 71, volunteer manager at Oxfam said: "Cannabis has got a very specific smell and we have got a few gaps and holes in the wall, so I'm surprised we couldn't smell anything.

"The drug problem is very bad and it's getting worse, especially with that meow meow. It's just sad, I think."

Henry Vermaak, 60, of neighbouring store Little Angels said: "I didn't know anything about it, but it's quite clever that they thought they could get away with it.

"With all of the other stuff that they are taking in this town, cannabis is mild."

Shopping at the Little Angels store, Christopher Johnston, 45, added: "You wouldn't think being in the middle of town that they would do it.

"Llanelli is bad for it - I just feel sorry for the youngsters growing up here. I went away from Llanelli for 12 years and when I came back it wasn't the same place as it used to be."

Darren Schmeyz, 24, of Cash Generator, said: "To think it was only a few doors down. An old building like that should be kept tabs on.

"It's good that they have been caught, but it would be nice if the police put as much work into finding the people who are making meow as that is a bigger problem."

A police spokeswoman said: "Across Dyfed-Powys we take drug misuse very seriously whether it's a Class A, Class B or Class C drug, and we will take the appropriate action required to ensure that our communities are protected."

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 3/3/2013