In a first of its kind multi-agency operation under the Clear, Hold, Build policy, North Wales Police, in partnership with other groups, have discovered a cannabis factory with plants worth more than £500,000.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, Clear Hold Build Team, and the force Drone Unit executed a warrant at an industrial unit off Ernest Street in Rhyl.

Police have now shared a video of the successful operation.

Albanian nationals, Fluturim Kuti, 28, and Edison Cani, 24), were encountered inside the property and sentenced at Mold Crown Court for their involvement in the cannabis production.

Gang members

The Clear, Hold, Build initiative is a three-phase tactic designed by the Home Office to revitalise areas heavily impacted by organised crime.

Initially, police use every available means to clear an area of gang members, then sustain their presence to prevent another gang from occupying the vacuum.

Subsequently, with the assistance of residents and partners, they work to transform the community into a more prosperous and attractive area that is harder to exploit by organised crime groups and county lines.

The initial implementation of this strategy, locally known as RENEW, will be in Rhyl West.

This long-term project aims to make it increasingly burdensome for organised crime groups to operate.

The project seeks to obstruct their activities and income, safeguarding those living, visiting, and working in Rhyl West.

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Particularly, it assists those who are susceptible to coercion by gangs.

Organised crime

Through collective efforts and paying attention to residents’ needs, RENEW intends to regenerate areas plagued by severe and organised crime, enabling residents to reclaim their communities and build long-term resilience against future threats.

Joint collaboration will involve sharing information to identify areas that require regeneration as well as targeted activities to eradicate and disrupt organised crime groups.

Vulnerable individuals

Partners will offer advice and services, specifically targeting those vulnerable individuals who may struggle to access help.

Focus areas will include living, working, and recreational environments for residents, opportunities for the youth, help with employment, assistance to access funding, health issues, and crime prevention and security advice.

Events will also be organised with community groups providing opportunities for residents' input, which will guide how partners can best help and support communities.

Partners involved in RENEW include North Wales Police, Denbighshire County Council’s Licensing, Trading Standards, Childrens, and Homeless Services, North Wales Fire and Rescue, housing associations, BCUHB Substance Misuse, Wales Probation Service, local businesses, community groups, and residents.