Six people have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to supply class B drugs in a multi-million pound cannabis chain.

Dyfed-Powys Police has carried out an investigation into the production and trafficking of substantial quantities of cannabis into the force area – a criminal conspiracy valued at up to £4.4 million – in an operation named Operation Daybreak.

Following a nine-month investigation which began following a warrant in Whitland, six people suspected of being involved in the organised crime gang have now been arrested and charged.

Detective Sergeant Owen Lock said: “This week we carried out the final arrest phase in Operation Daybreak, with six arrests made in both our force area and Hampshire over four days.

“To ensure the smooth running and swift charge of these people, we had a number of officers involved from the Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys proactive policing teams.”

The following defendants have been arrested, charged and remanded in custody -Daniel Edward McCann, aged 36, of Waterlooville; Edward McCann, aged 61, of Cwmbach in Whitland; Linda McCann, aged 59, of Cwmbach in Whitland; Samantha McCann, aged 25, of Bristol.

The charges (with the dates) are as follows: 1. Conspire to supply class B in Hampshire between 1.5.13 to 31.3.15; 2. Conspire to produce class B in Hampshire between 1.5.13 to 31.3.15; 3. Conspire to supply class B in Carmarthenshire between 1.4.15 to 24.10.20; 4. Conspire to produce class B in Carmarthenshire 1.4.15 to 24.10.20; 5. Possess criminal property between 1.4.14 and 24.10.20.

Justin James David Liles, aged 31, of St Clears has been charged with: 1. Conspire to supply class B in Carmarthenshire between 1.4.15 to 24.10.20; 2. Conspire to produce class B in Carmarthenshire 1.4.15 to 24.10.20; 3. Possess criminal property between 1.4.14 and 24.10.20.

Jack Whittock, aged 28, of Llanteg, Narberth has ben charged with: 1. Conspire to supply class B in Carmarthenshire between 1.4.15 to 24.10.20; 2. Conspire to produce class B in Carmarthenshire 1.4.15 to 24.10.20; 3. Possess criminal property between 1.4.14 and 24.10.20; 4. Threats to kill – pleaded guilty.

They will appear at Swansea Crown Court for their next hearing on August 11.

Detective Inspector Rhys Jones said: “This has been a challenging, complex and large-scale investigation, and all departments involved are thanked for their support and assistance.

“A special thank you must go to the case team, who have shown tremendous determination and skill to ensure these charges were secured in a timely manner.”