Illegal immigrant is jailed for huge cannabis factory

Feb 28 2008 by Wendy Horton, South Wales Echo

A 15-MONTH prison sentence has been handed out to an illegal immigrant who was caught cultivating a cannabis factory.

Vietnamese Chien Quang Nguyen, 24, was sent to jail with a recommendation that he be deported after he appeared before Newport crown court earlier this week charged with the cultivation of cannabis.

Nguyen was caught red-handed when police discovered 265 mature cannabis plants and a large amount of hydroponics equipment at a house in Station Road, Bargoed, last month.

The plants were found in four rooms at the three-storey property and had an estimated street value of around £30,000.

However, police say through cultivation the cannabis could have been worth £120,000 each year from the crop.

Today, police welcomed the sentence and praised the officers for their hard work in detecting the factory.

They also warned others involved in the illegal practice that they would be caught through similar raids.

Chief Inspector Andy Adams said: “The arrest and subsequent conviction of Chien Quang Nguyen following the discovery of the cannabis factory at Bargoed has been a good piece of work by all concerned.

“The factory came to the attention of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team following enquiries in the area.

“We are pleased at the sentence imposed upon him by the courts.

“This is an example of how our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working more closely within the communities to address concerns which are important to them and affect the quality of life for local people.

“In order for us to continue our crackdown against cannabis factories, we need the continued support of the community to alert us to suspicious activity.

“This can include large deliveries being received at unusual hours, a distinct smell coming from the property or the windows of a property could be permanently covered.”

Anyone who has information or suspects cannabis activity should contact Gwent Police on 01633 838 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

wendy.horton@mediawales.co.uk