Cardiff: A police sniffer dog played a crucial role in uncovering an illegal cannabis operation after locating a man hiding behind a fake wall inside a commercial property in Wales.
The accused, Albert Hysaj (42), was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to producing cannabis. He was arrested following a police raid at the Bowen Industrial Estate in Aberbargoed, Caerphilly county, in May.
Police dog exposes hiding suspect
During the operation, Police Dog (PD) Asko detected Hysaj concealed behind a false wall inside the premises. Despite attempting to evade officers, he was quickly discovered by the highly trained sniffer dog.
The raid led officers to an extensive cannabis cultivation setup spread across two connected industrial units.
More than 300 cannabis plants seized
Police recovered 313 cannabis plants growing in three separate rooms within the property. The illegal facility also contained a living area equipped with a kitchen and bathroom, indicating it had been adapted for long-term cultivation.
Investigators believe such large-scale cannabis farms are often associated with organised criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of illegal drugs.
Police vow continued crackdown
Inspector Laura Paget of Gwent Police praised PD Asko’s role in the successful operation, stating that dismantling illegal cannabis factories helps disrupt organised crime and prevents the supply of illicit drugs.
She noted that although the accused attempted to avoid arrest by hiding inside the building, he was unable to escape the dog’s keen sense of smell.
Police said they remain committed to targeting illegal drug operations and bringing those involved in organised crime to justice.