VIDEO: Police find large-scale, sophisticated cannabis factory

A sophisticated and large-scale cannabis factory has been discovered in buildings just off Kirkgate in the city centre.
Inspector Ian Williams in a crop of cannabis plants in a building at the rear of the ABC cinema on Kirkgate in Wakefield discovered after a tipoff from a member of the public Picture Dean AtkinsInspector Ian Williams in a crop of cannabis plants in a building at the rear of the ABC cinema on Kirkgate in Wakefield discovered after a tipoff from a member of the public Picture Dean Atkins
Inspector Ian Williams in a crop of cannabis plants in a building at the rear of the ABC cinema on Kirkgate in Wakefield discovered after a tipoff from a member of the public Picture Dean Atkins

Officers carried out the raid on two derelict buildings behind the old ABC Cinema during the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Insp Ian Williams, of the Central neighbourhood police team, said they had found hundreds - probably thousands - of plants, along with sophisticated heating and lighting equipment.

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Insp Williams said: “We have found three floors and many rooms of cannabis in various stages of growth.

Inspector Ian Williams in a crop of cannabis plants in a building at the rear of the ABC cinema on Kirkgate in Wakefield discovered after a tipoff from a member of the public Picture Dean AtkinsInspector Ian Williams in a crop of cannabis plants in a building at the rear of the ABC cinema on Kirkgate in Wakefield discovered after a tipoff from a member of the public Picture Dean Atkins
Inspector Ian Williams in a crop of cannabis plants in a building at the rear of the ABC cinema on Kirkgate in Wakefield discovered after a tipoff from a member of the public Picture Dean Atkins

“The sheer amount of equipment and the set up suggests that this has been here for some considerable time.”

The two buildings, which have been knocked into one, are behind the Harewood Arms, Blockbusters and the William Hill bookmakers.

Insp Williams said he was confident that the ABC cinema has not been affected.

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William Hill was evacuated over concerns about a suspected gas leak and fire crews were also called due to the electrics involved in the running of the factory.

Insp Williams “The raid was carried out because of suspicious activity reported to us by the public and we would appeal for anyone who lives or works in the area who has seen anything to come forward. “

Anyone with information should contact the central NPT on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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