Three-storey £500k cannabis jungle found inside an empty bank
TWO MEN IN CUSTODY AFTER POLICE UNCOVER OPERATION
DRUG dealers who turned an empty bank branch in an East st Yorkshire town into a three-storey cannabis s farm are in custody.
CCTV caught the he pair leaving the forr mer HSBC in Queen Street, Withernsea, on n Monday night before re making a significant nt find behind the walls ls of the bank.
A cannabis grow w spreading across three ee floors and ten rooms of the former bank was uncovered, with a street value of around half a million pounds.
In all, around 1,000 plants were found in what Humberside Police called a “sophisticated set-up” that had been stealing electricity and putting neighbouring properties at risk.
The footage captured on a nearby camera showed the duo walking away from the branch towards a parked car but, as they unlocked the doors and got inside, they were met by a significant surprise.
Five police cars hurtled into position to stop the pair from escaping before officers detained them.
They were both arrested suspicion of being involved in production of cannabis after discovery of the huge grow. on the the
As of Tuesday evening, a scene guard remained in place while officers dismantle the grow.
PC James Stothard, the beat manager for Withernsea, said: “Taking down organised criminals involved in the production and distribution of drugs is incredibly important to our force.
“I would continue to encourage our local communities to report any information, no matter how small, they feel could help our action against drugs in their area.
“You can report drug activity by calling our non-emergency number 101, or by speaking with your community team.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous for any reason, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
An update issued on Tuesday evening by a spokesman for the force said: “Two men have been arrested by our Roads Crime Team, just before 6pm yesterday, Monday, January 4, on suspicion of being involved in the production of cannabis, after a large cannabis factory was discovered at an address in Queen Street, Withernsea.
“Approximately 1,000 plants have been discovered across ten rooms.
“The sophisticated set-up had been dangerously extracting electricity, common with cannabis grows, which can put surrounding properties and businesses at risk.
“A scene guard remains in while the Operation Galaxy continue to dismantle the grow.
“The two men remain in custody.” place team
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