Police have announced the discovery of an illegal cannabis garden in Pembroke, with more than 60 plants seized and destroyed.

Officers on mobile patrol attended the property in the area of Mission Lane and found plants in various stages of growth on the roof of a derelict building.

A spokesman reminded the public that cannabis remained a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972.

While the Misuse of Drugs (Decriminalisation of Cannabis) Amendment Act 2017 removed criminal offences for simple possession of the drug by any person of 7 grams or less, the Act did not make it legal to consume, cultivate, traffic or import cannabis in any quantity.

Under the Act, a police officer of any rank has the authority to seize any amount of cannabis in the possession of any person.

The spokesman added: “Even if a person is caught with 7 grams or less of cannabis, that person’s residence, vessel or vehicle may be subject to search if the police suspect other offences, such as possession with an intent to supply, or other criminal offences.”

He said it remained a crime to use, sell, handle or import cannabis, adding: “If a person is caught with more than 7 grams of cannabis, that person should expect to be arrested and prosecuted, likely resulting in a criminal conviction.”