Neath police foil “largest ever” cannabis factory in old M&S

Neath town centre police have shut down what could have become the “largest ever” cannabis operation in South Wales, discovered in the former Marks and Spencer shop on Green Street.

The vacant building, empty since M&S closed on May 18, 2024, was raided after neighbourhood officers gathered intelligence about suspicious activity at the site.

Officers arrested a 34-year-old man after spotting him acting suspiciously during a patrol. He was initially detained on suspicion of burglary, then further arrested for being involved in the production of cannabis.

A search of the building uncovered several large commercial rooms in the early stages of being converted into a cannabis cultivation operation. No cannabis or controlled substances were found due to the early intervention.

The man remains in police custody.

Inspector Ryan Davies said: “This outcome was the result of some great partnership working between the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), intelligence from the local community, and support from local authority partners.

“The investigation required a dynamic approach during the busiest period within the heart of the town centre. It resulted in officers quickly disrupting and shutting down what would have had the potential to be a cannabis factory on an industrial scale, worth millions of pounds in criminality.

“This scale of criminality could have had a significant impact on the local community, and often exploits young or vulnerable people to take the risk, while others receive the benefits.

“I would like to thank the residents of Neath for their support and co-operation during the police activity in the busy town centre. I encourage anyone who has concerns in their local community to report it to your local NPT so they can take action.”