Police Find Cannabis Farm and Then Make Further Discovery in Attic

Key Points

• More than 230 cannabis plants discovered at a property on Cathays Terrace in Cathays, Cardiff, during a police raid by South Wales Police.
• Officers acted on information indicating the property was being used as a cannabis factory.
• A man was arrested in the attic of the property during the raid.
• Fatjon Cota, 32, of no fixed abode, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 5, 2026, and pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug.
• Cota was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on February 2, 2026.
• All seized cannabis plants were destroyed following the raid.
• The property was made safe after the operation to eliminate any ongoing risks.
• South Wales Police highlighted that cannabis production is linked to serious organised crime, people trafficking, community harm, and fire risks to neighbouring properties.

Cathays, Cardiff (WalesOnline) January 5, 2026 – Police from South Wales Police raided a property on Cathays Terrace in Cathays, uncovering more than 230 cannabis plants in what they described as a cannabis factory. A man, later identified as Fatjon Cota, 32, of no fixed abode, was arrested in the attic, marking a significant further discovery during the operation. Cota appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on January 5, pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug, and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on February 2.

What Led to the Police Raid in Cathays?

Officers from South Wales Police attended the property on Cathays Terrace following specific information that it was being used as a cannabis factory, as detailed in the initial report by WalesOnline. Upon arrival, they discovered hundreds of plants across the premises, confirming the intelligence. The raid exemplifies routine police action against illegal drug production in residential areas of Cardiff.

The operation unfolded swiftly, with the scale of the cultivation over 230 plants indicating a substantial setup. As reported across coverage mirroring WalesOnline’s account, the plants were actively growing, likely contributing to organized criminal networks.

Who Was Arrested and What Happened in Court?

Fatjon Cota, 32, of no fixed abode, was found and arrested in the attic of the property during the raid. He appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 5, 2026, where he pleaded guilty to one count of producing a controlled drug. District Judge [name not specified in source] remanded Cota in custody pending his next appearance.

Cota’s hearing at Cardiff Crown Court is scheduled for February 2, 2026, when sentencing will occur. No further details on his background or prior convictions were provided in the reports, maintaining focus on the immediate charges.

What Did Police Do with the Cannabis Plants?

Following the discovery, all more than 230 cannabis plants were destroyed to prevent any further illegal use or distribution. The property on Cathays Terrace was subsequently made safe, addressing immediate hazards such as electrical bypassing common in such factories.

South Wales Police ensured no residual risks remained, protecting the local community in Cathays. This standard procedure follows every such raid, as confirmed in the WalesOnline coverage.

Why Do Police Link Cannabis Farms to Serious Crime?

South Wales Police issued a strong statement underscoring the broader implications of cannabis factories. “People often talk of cannabis as being a victimless crime, but it’s not,” the force stated. “Whatever your viewpoint on cannabis, the serious and organised crime and people trafficking which are often linked to cannabis factories can cause real harm to our communities and funds further criminality.”

The statement continued:

“The factories are also a fire risk to neighbouring properties.”

These remarks highlight the force’s position on the ripple effects of such operations in Cardiff neighbourhoods like Cathays.

How Does This Fit into Cardiff’s Crime Patterns?

Cathays, a densely populated student area in Cardiff, has seen previous incidents of cannabis cultivation, though this raid stands out for its scale. The property on Cathays Terrace, now secured, underscores ongoing efforts by South Wales Police to dismantle hidden factories in urban settings.

No additional sources beyond the primary WalesOnline report detailed this specific incident, but the coverage aligns with patterns of organised crime in Welsh cities. The arrest of Fatjon Cota in the attic suggests he may have been tending the plants, a common role in such setups.

What Are the Next Steps for Fatjon Cota?

Fatjon Cota remains in custody following his guilty plea on January 5. His sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on February 2 will determine the penalty for producing a controlled drug, potentially including imprisonment given the operation’s size.

Court officials confirmed the remand, ensuring Cota’s attendance. Updates from Cardiff Crown Court proceedings will provide further clarity on the outcome.

What Risks Do Cannabis Factories Pose to Communities?

As emphasised by South Wales Police, cannabis farms pose multifaceted dangers. Beyond funding organised crime and people trafficking, they create fire hazards through tampered electrics, endangering neighbouring homes in Cathays.

The force’s comments aim to dispel notions of cannabis as victimless, pointing to tangible community harm. Properties like the one on Cathays Terrace become unsafe hubs until raided and cleared.

Who Reported the Story and What Coverage Exists?

The primary account originates from WalesOnline, a leading source for Cardiff news, with no named byline journalist specified in the detailed report. Coverage includes links to related Cardiff stories, such as city centre developments and council plans, but focuses squarely on this raid.

WalesOnline urged readers to sign up for daily newsletters to stay informed on local stories. No divergent reports from other outlets were identified, ensuring consistency in facts presented.