Five arrests have been made at an address in Allt-yr-yn, Newport, following a drug raid involving specialist firearms officers.

The raid started at 3am on Wednesday (August 7) and over 90 police officers were involved in finding and seizing a large-scale cannabis farm in a Newport suburb.

Gwent Police arrested three men, aged 30, 38 and 45, at the address in Allt-yr-yn View, Newport.

They then arrested a man, aged 49, and a woman, aged 26, at separate addresses in the Newport area. 

All five involved have been arrested the production of Class B controlled drugs (cannabis), and the woman has also been arrested on the suspicion of possession of both Class A and B drugs.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “Officers, including specialist firearms officers, carried out a warrant, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, at an address in Allt-yr-yn View, Newport, at around 3am on Wednesday, August 7.

“They were all arrested on the suspicion of the production of Class B controlled drugs – cannabis.

"In addition, the woman was arrested on the suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs.

"They remain in police custody at this time, as our enquiries continue."

Eyewitnesses at the scene that morning said they could hear police sniffer dogs barking as they were finding the drugs.

Witnesses also described how they could smell the cannabis as it was being discovered by officers and police dogs.

They said the unit was "really hidden" and they did not know it was there despite living in the area for over 20 years.

The unit police are searching is located behind Grove Farm, which is the stables you can see when you are driving on Junction 26 (Malpas) on the M4.

Witnesses said the area being searched was within the yellow lines. (Image: NQ)

This is also next to Allt-yr-yn nature reserve, where many locals walk their dogs and cycle.

The canal near the unit is next to is also a popular walking and cycling spot, leading to the Fourteen Locks.

A witness said: “This drug farm has been hidden in plain sight. It seems like a large-scale operation, with the number of officers here today.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Edwards said: "This was a significant operation, involving around 90 officers, including firearms officers as a precaution, interview and search teams.

“Serious and organised crime is a threat to our communities and we will continue to work tirelessly to crack down on the production, sale and supply of illegal drugs in Newport.

“We are determined to identify, pursue, and disrupt organised crime groups and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

"The public play a vital role in providing us with important information and we encourage anyone with concerns to get in touch immediately."

If you have any concerns about drugs in your area, you can let Gwent Police know on their website, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, you can report it to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.