Cannabis plants found inside chapel
A CANNABIS factory with almost 800 plants has been discovered inside a historic Merthyr Tydfil chapel.
Unbeknown to nearby residents, the building on Newcastle Street – a prominent landmark in the town since it was built in 1856 – was housing 769 cannabis plants.
Officers only discovered the huge illegal operation after conducting a spot check on someone acting suspiciously.
From the information obtained they discovered the unbelievable haul brazenly being grown in the town centre.
Police also found another haul of plants in a property on Pontmorlais High Street.
A man has been arrested and charged with producing cannabis.
The Salem Chapel was once a congregation church used by the Salvation Army and Merthyr Council.
Since 1986, the chapel has been the Kingdom Hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Officers in Merthyr clamping down on drugs in the area have also made arrests in separate incidents.
A drugs warrant was carried out in Galon Uchaf Road where a large bag of cannabis leaf was recovered and a man was arrested.
Another warrant was executed at Zion Close in Troedyrhiw where a large amount of cocaine and six cannabis plants were seized.
Two people were arrested for possession with intent to supply.
Local Policing Inspector Mark Simmonds said: “We will continue to work with our communities to reduce the impact of drug-related activity within Merthyr Tydfil. The neighbourhood policing teams are out and about talking to our communities daily so if you have suspicions regarding criminal behaviour, please report it to us so we can investigate.
“If you do not feel comfortable talking to us then you can tell Crimestoppers anonymously what you know.
“Again this information will be looked into and any actions required will be taken.
“Policing is all about working with the communities and with your help, we can continue to tackle drug dealers who target the most vulnerable people and cause misery for our town.”
Anyone with information can contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.