Historic Mansion That Hosted King Charles Ball Unearths Major Cannabis Farm
North Wales Police have uncovered a substantial cannabis cultivation operation within a historic mansion that once hosted a prestigious ball for King Charles III. The discovery was made during a targeted raid at Plas Glynllifon, a Grade I-listed property near Caernarfon in Gwynedd.
Police Execute Warrant at Historic Estate
On Tuesday, 7 April, officers executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at the 19th-century mansion, which is surrounded by country park gardens. Superintendent Arwel Hughes described the find as a "significant grow," with approximately 12 rooms on the top floor dedicated to cultivating mature cannabis plants.
"We uncovered a grow, which was on the top floor of the building," Supt Hughes told the BBC. "We estimate around 12 rooms with grows in them and they were fairly mature plants."
Forensic Investigation Underway
The police superintendent confirmed that extensive forensic work is ongoing, including the examination of digital evidence recovered from the scene. He expressed confidence that arrests would follow as the investigation progresses.
"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," Hughes stated. "I'm quite confident we can get to a point where we can make some arrests."
Authorities noted that the property's electrical systems had been manipulated and water supplies diverted to facilitate the illegal operation. The mansion itself was reported to be in various states of disrepair.
Royal Connection to the Property
Plas Glynllifon holds significant historical importance, having once hosted a ball celebrating the investiture of King Charles III as Prince of Wales on 1 July 1969. The event took place at nearby Caernarfon Castle, with the mansion serving as the venue for the associated festivities.
According to the estate's website, the property was built in the 1830s and formerly belonged to Lord Newborough. It is described as a "Grade I listed building... that once held the ball of the investiture of The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III."
Police Maintain Presence at Scene
In an official statement, North Wales Police confirmed that officers would remain at the location for several days while enquiries continue. The force has requested that members of the public respect the police cordon established around the privately-owned mansion and its 16 acres of gardens.
"Officers will remain at the location for several days while enquiries continue," the statement read. "We are asking members of the public to respect the police cordon as officers carry out their work."
The discovery highlights how criminal enterprises can infiltrate even the most historically significant properties, with this particular operation taking advantage of the mansion's secluded location and substantial interior space.
