Llanelli carpenter jailed over cannabis growing operation in father’s garage

Dean Richards, 45, admitted producing cannabis and possessing the drug with intent to supply after police uncovered plants, drugs and growing equipment at multiple locations linked to him.

Swansea Crown Court heard officers executed a search warrant at an industrial unit in Bynea Business Park on 26 July. Inside, they found almost two kilograms of cannabis along with scales, mobile phones and specialist cultivation equipment.

When police went to Richards’ home address, he told them there was more cannabis in his garden shed. Officers recovered around a third of a kilo of the drug along with cuttings.

The investigation then led to his father’s property, where Richards had sole use of a rear garage. Inside, officers discovered 55 cannabis plants at various stages of growth in tents fitted with lights, fans and filters.

The court was told Richards, of Cambrian Street, North Dock, had 16 previous convictions for 38 offences, including earlier cannabis-related matters.

Defending, Ieuan Rees said Richards was a father-of-three who ran a carpentry business employing three people, and that the industrial unit was primarily used as a workshop. Plans to open a café there, run by his wife, had been put on hold pending the court case.

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards described the set‑up as a “professional” operation and said the defendant had “clearly done [his] research” to make it profitable. She accepted he was remorseful but said he had chosen to embark on the enterprise despite other financial options.

Richards was jailed for 40 months. He will serve 40 per cent of the term in custody before being released on licence. A Proceeds of Crime investigation will now follow.

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