A cannabis grow worth up to £242,000 was uncovered in Cardigan, thanks to sharp-eyed staff at an Aberystwyth recycling centre.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the discovery of five bags of dumped cannabis stalks on May 1 led officers to uncover a large-scale drugs operation in Cardigan.
Staff at the recycling facility raised the alarm after the bags were left by men in a hired Ford Transit van. Police later intercepted the van on the road between Aberystwyth and Cardigan and arrested three men, including 20-year-old Manuel Nerguti.
Although no grow was located at the time and the men were released, further intelligence led officers to a derelict house in Bridell, near Cardigan, a month later.
Inside, police discovered 260 mature cannabis plants spread across five rooms and an attic, with evidence of a bypassed electricity supply and trafficking paraphernalia.
During the raid on June 7, Nerguti attempted to flee but was found hiding behind a washing machine in the garage.
He pleaded guilty to producing a class B drug at Swansea Crown Court on July 11 and was sentenced to six months in prison.
Detective Constable Sam Garside, who led the investigation, praised the quick-thinking recycling centre staff.
“This result is thanks to the staff at the recycling centre for recognising that criminal activity was taking place and for alerting police quickly,” he said.
“We rely on the public to inform us of anything suspicious going on in their communities and we encourage people to get in touch if they suspect anything suspicious."
He added that Operation Scotney continues to target illegal drug operations across Dyfed-Powys.
