July 30, 2019 2.03 pm This story is over 56 months old

Dealers turn industrial unit into giant £4m cannabis empire

It’s believed there were around 15,000 plants

A drugs gang managed to convert and operate a cannabis farm with a street value of between £2.5 million and £4 million from a business unit in a busy Scunthorpe park.

Three men have been arrested by Humberside Police following a warrant at the unit on Park Farm Road, Scunthorpe on Monday, July 28.

Investigators were met with a sea of around 15,000 plants and complex electrical systems inside the unit, surrounded by a busy network of large businesses and council buildings.

An aerial view of the business park where criminals set up their drugs empire. Photo: Google

Two men, aged 29 and 48, have been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug and a 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug. All three remain in custody.

Photo: Humberside Police

Photo: Humberside Police

Photo: Humberside Police

Detective Inspector Kerry Bull said: “This premises has been converted into an industrial sized professional cannabis grow.

“I believe that there are in excess of 15,000 plants in various stages of cultivation.

“Our forensic teams and specially trained search officers are working on site to secure evidence and remove the plants and equipment for destruction.

“We will continue to identify and close down these operations and bring to justice those involved in the production and supply of controlled drugs which we know can bring misery to our communities.”

If you have concerns about drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour in your area, please call our non-emergency 101 line or, if you would rather not give your name, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.