Operation Scotney
What is Operation Scotney?
Operation Scotney is a CID-led operation launched by Dyfed-Powys Police in response to the increasing number of cannabis factories being established by organised crime gangs. Operation Scotney has proven to be the force’s widest and most successful drugs operation to date, with canabis worth over £12 million in street value seized and destructed (figures correct Feb 2025), along with tonnes of commercial scale heating and lighting equipment.
Operation Scotney sees detectives, intelligence experts and proactive policing officers work together to establish where the factories are being set up, and to swoop in and disrupt them before the cannabis grows can be cultivated.
While buildings are made safe, and equipment destroyed, those responsible are pursued and taken through the criminal justice process to ensure they cannot continue their criminal behaviour.
Operation Scotney court results
- King Street, Carmarthen:
Jurgen Kodra: Jailed for two years and four months for production of cannabis.
- Old Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen:
Nurdin Hoxha: Charged with the production of cannabis - sentencing on March 7.
- Gordon Road, Llanelli:
Argil Bushi: Jailed for 20 months for production of cannabis.
Aldi Xhaferri: Jailed for nine months for production of cannabis.
- Craddock Street, Llanelli:
Blerjan Dedja: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
- Bigyn Road, Llanelli:
Franko Sulovari: Jailed for 18 months for production of cannabis.
- Mountain Gate Inn, Ammanford:
Beni Mirashi: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
- Maes Y Wern, Carway:
Viktor Gjeloshi: Jailed for 15 months for production of cannabis.
Nikoll Necaj: Jailed for six months for production of cannabis.
Eduart Nenfusho: Jailed for 15 months for production of cannabis.
- Vaughan Street, Llanelli
Hazis Rapi: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
- Former Llandysul school:
Alfred Perkola: Conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Sentencing on February 26, 2025.
Aldi Gjegjaj: Conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Sentencing on February 26, 2025.
- Former Llandysul school (second warrant):
Armeld Troski: Jailed for 40 months for production of cannabis.
Njazi Gjana: Jailed for 30 months for production of cannabis.
Ervin Gjana: Jailed for 30 months for production of cannabis.
- Honeyborough Industrial Estate, Neyland:
Zhupa Gentian: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
Ergest Mucopata: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
- Stop search, Cleddau Bridge:
Albert Nikolla: Jailed for four years and three months for possession with intent to supply, and being involved in the supply of cocaine.
Pajtim Meta: Jailed for five years for possession with intent to supply and being involved in the supply of cocaine.
- India Row, Monkton, Pembroke:
Sergej Zakacura: Jailed for seven years and three months for production of cannabis.
- North Crescent, Haverfordwest:
Shahin Mustaj: Jailed for eight months for production of cannabis.
- Treowen Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock:
Ervis Kerciku: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
- JP Scaffolding yard, Honeyborough:
Flamur Vengo: Jailed for 24 months in prison for production of cannabis.
Nertil Dallenga: Jailed for 24 months for production of cannabis.
- Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock:
Armando Beti: Jailed for two years and eight months for being concerned in the production of cannabis.
- Main Street, Pembroke:
Amarildo Daja: Jailed for 12 months for being concerned in the production of cannabis.
- Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock:
Esmirald Dedej: Charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis and remanded in custody.
Arsen Tanasica: Jailed for 12 months for production of cannabis.
- Former County Times building, Welshpool:
Dino Marku: Jailed for 18 months for the production of cannabis.
- Former County Times building, Welshpool (second warrant):
Kastriot Gega: Jailed for six months for the production of cannabis.
- Broad Street, Welshpool:
Alban Qemalli: Jailed for 22 months for being concerned in the production of cannabis.
- High Street, Welshpool:
Kladji Toci: Jailed for 16 months for being concerned in the production of cannabis.
- Former HSBC bank, Llandrindod Wells:
Two men deported following arrest.
Spotting the signs
The most frequent signs of a cannabis factory are:
- HEAT: Cannabis plants need heat to grow. You may see condensation on windows or notice that ice and snow is missing on rooftops in the winter.
- SMELL: Cannabis plants have a strong smell, which is stronger in the last three months of growth.
- RUBBISH: Lots of ‘garden’ rubbish dumped outside such as plant pots, compost and empty plant food containers.
- LIGHT: Cannabis needs bright lights 24 hours a day to grow. You may also hear noise from fans.
- SECRECY: Windows might be covered up to hide illegal activity, or extra locks installed.
- ELECTRICITY: Your street may be suffering from frequent and unusual power cuts as electricity meters are bypassed.
- VISITORS: Are people coming and going, possibly at odd hours? Are the lights constantly on but nobody appears to be there?
How can you help
If you see something suspicious, whether this is suspected drug dealing, an unusual increase in people visiting or potential money laundering, let us know.
This information is fed into police intelligence systems and helps officers build up a picture of organised crime, even if they do not act on the information straight away.
You can report concerns to us directly online or by calling 101.
Alternatively, report information to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or the Crimestoppers website.
