Police have uncovered a substantial cannabis cultivation operation within a historic mansion that once hosted a prestigious ball for King Charles III during his investiture as Prince of Wales. The discovery was made at Plas Glynllifon, a Grade I-listed property near Caernarfon in Gwynedd, North Wales.
Major Police Operation at Historic Estate
North Wales Police executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at the historic mansion on Tuesday, 7 April, revealing what authorities described as a "significant grow" operation. Officers discovered approximately 12 rooms on the top floor of the building being used to cultivate cannabis plants, with many described as "fairly mature" by investigating officers.
Extensive Criminal Enterprise Uncovered
Superintendent Arwel Hughes of North Wales Police provided details of the sophisticated operation, stating: "We uncovered a grow, which was on the top floor of the building. We estimate around 12 rooms with grows in them and they were fairly mature plants."
The superintendent further explained the complexity of the investigation, noting: "There's lots of information to process today and lots of forensic work to consider, and lots of other digital matter that we are looking at. I'm quite confident we can get to a point where we can make some arrests."
Police revealed that the property's electrical systems had been extensively manipulated to support the illegal cultivation, with water supplies being diverted throughout the building. The mansion itself was reported to be in various states of disrepair as a result of the criminal activity.
Royal Connections to the Historic Property
Plas Glynllifon holds significant historical importance, having been built in the 1830s and formerly belonging to Lord Newborough. The property gained particular prominence when it hosted the ball associated with the investiture of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) on 1 July 1969.
The investiture ceremony itself took place at nearby Caernarfon Castle, with Plas Glynllifon serving as the venue for the celebratory ball that followed. According to the website for the country park gardens surrounding the manor house, the property is described as: "A grade I listed building formerly belonging to Lord Newborough that once held the ball of the investiture of The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III."
Ongoing Police Investigation
North Wales Police confirmed in an official statement that officers would remain at the location for several days while enquiries continue. The police statement read: "We can confirm that earlier today, Tuesday 7 April, North Wales Police executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at Plas Glynllifon, near Caernarfon. Officers will remain at the location for several days while enquiries continue."
Authorities have requested that members of the public respect the police cordon established around the property as forensic teams and investigators continue their work. The 16-acre estate surrounding the mansion remains privately owned, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
The discovery represents one of the more unusual cannabis farm locations uncovered by police in recent years, combining elements of historical preservation concerns with serious criminal investigation. The juxtaposition of royal history with contemporary drug cultivation has captured significant public and media attention across Wales and beyond.
