230+ cannabis plants seized in Cardiff factory raid

More than 230 cannabis plants have been discovered at a property in Cathays after South Wales Police raided what they suspected was being used as a cannabis factory.

Officers attended the address in Cathays Terrace following information about the illegal operation. Upon arrival, they found a man in the attic of the property and arrested him at the scene.

The plants were subsequently destroyed and the property made safe by officers.

Fatjon Cota, 32, of no fixed abode, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 5, where he pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug. He has been remanded in custody and will appear for a further hearing next month.

Addressing the wider impact of such operations, South Wales Police stated: “People often talk of cannabis as being a victimless crime, but it’s not. Whatever your viewpoint on cannabis, the serious and organised crime and people trafficking which are often linked to cannabis factories can cause real harm to our communities and funds further criminality. The factories are also a fire risk to neighbouring properties.”