Traders shock after King Street cannabis arrests
TRADERS have expressed their shock after two men were arrested following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis in a former town centre shop.
TRADERS have expressed their shock after two men were arrested following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis in a former town centre shop.
The former Family Value store in King Street in Carmarthen was raided by police with sniffer dogs on Thursday morning.
After smashing through the building's front entrance police discovered a large quantity of cannabis plants at various stages of growth.
The premises had been empty for several months and the windows covered.
Tien Tran Nguyen, 32, and Cuong Dinh Nguyen, 40, were arrested and charged with producing a controlled drug of Class B.
The pair will appear before Swansea Crown Court on March 21.
Detecive Inspector Hopkin-Davies said: "Across Carmarthenshire 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."
Nearby trader and Mount Ridge owner David Brooks-Thomas told the Journal: "It was a big surprise.
"When I saw the police there I thought that it had been broken into."
Mr Brooks-Thomas's business is opposite the building where the drugs were found.
He said: "Once they (police) smashed the window the smell that came out was incredible. It smelled like pollen. It really was incredible. But I was very surprised."
He added: "Hopefully the building will be put to good use. It's a shame that somewhere like Waitrose can't take it over because it's such a large space."
Andy Jones, another close trader and owner of Magpies, said: "King Street has always prided itself on having an eclectic and cosmopolitan mix of traders - but perhaps this is a step too far."
Read about council plans to boost the town centre in next week's Carmarthen Journal.
http://www.carmarthenjournal.co.uk 12/03/2014
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