A VIETNAMESE man has pleaded guilty to being involved in the production of over 140 cannabis plants in Ammanford.

Thang Xuan Dau, 45, “entered the UK on the back of a lorry” a year ago and had lived with friends in what he thought was London.

The prosecutor said: “He worked in a nail bar.

“About a month ago he was taken by car to the house he was arrested in.

"He said 'during my time at this house I watered the cannabis plants as instructed by a man who visited'."

Dau, who was supported by an interpreter, appeared via video link in Llanelli Magistrates’ Court and admitted being involved in the production of 144 cannabis plants in a house on Walter Road.

The court heard there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the property and officers attended.

After knocking without a response several times, the male then emerged carrying a suitcase and tried to leave the property by pushing past an officer.

When officers tried to engage with him he wouldn't give any details.

The prosecutor said: "Once inside the property the officers found a number of cannabis plants.

"The first room was set up with lighting and plastic sheeting.

"The next room had larger plants, and the third room contained plants which were fully grown."

The first room contained 99 cannabis plants ranging from two to eight inches in length, the court heard.

The second room had 33 plants around four foot tall, and the final room contained 12 plants between two to three foot in height, the court heard.

District Judge Sophie Toms said the house in Ammanford had a "professional set up" and was a "commercial operation".

When Dau originally entered the UK he worked in a nail bar, but was soon moved to a house in Ammanford, which was being used for cannabis production, the court heard.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said: "Contact was made by the landlord of the property in Walter Road.

"The landlord had been unable to make contact so he attended the property.

"When he tried to enter the property the locks had been changed, there had been no permission given to do that.

"The curtains had been drawn for the last month.

"And neighbours had confirmed that hadn't seen anyone coming or going."

Mitigating solicitor Peter Maxfield-Martin said his client's role was more of a gardener.

The judge committed Dau to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing and will next appear on Friday, April 15.