28/04/2015

Major Cannabis Farm Uncovered In Wakefield

Police have uncovered a major cannabis farm in a disused building in Wakefield.

An estimated 2,000 cannabis plants were found after a member of the public reported suspicious activity at the building just off Kirkgate in the city centre on Monday.

Police said the farm was discovered behind a former Blockbuster premises and in rooms adjoining the disused building.

Inspector Ian Williams, of Wakefield Central NPT, said: "The people responsible have obviously spent a considerable amount of time in these premises because of the amount of equipment we have found, the wiring work which has taken place and the fact that there are several crops of cannabis at various stages of growth from seedlings right through to empty rooms where the crop has been dried and removed.

"While both premises are in prominent positions on Kirkgate, we believe access to both was being gained by a single door to the side of the former cinema in the car park. This allowed vans to be backed up to the door covering their activity. It is going to take us the best part of two days to remove what's in there.

"I would appeal for anyone with information to contact police on 101."

The plants and growing equipment are being removed and will be examined by forensic specialists.

Police have appealed for information and would like to speak to anyone who may have seen vans being loaded and unloaded behind the premises in Wilkinsons car park.

(MH/CD)

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