A large-scale cannabis factory worth more than half a million pounds has been discovered at an agricultural premises in Sessay, near Thirsk.
Neighbourhood officers uncovered over 1,100 cannabis plants alongside dried cannabis packaged in 500g–1kg bags at the hidden rural site.
The sophisticated operation also included high-value lighting and growing equipment, believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The site took several days to dismantle, with officers working alongside experts to safely remove and catalogue the drugs and equipment.
So far, seven men from the West Yorkshire area have been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. They have been interviewed and released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
When officers entered the site at 6am, they were met by an unexpected resident — a large Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
Initially cautious due to the dog’s size, officers quickly realised he was friendly and well cared for.
The dog has since been placed in appropriate care while a rehoming plan is arranged.
Neighbourhood Inspector Rory Sadler, of Hambleton Police, said: “We received community intelligence suggesting there was a cannabis farm at the location, carried out enquiries and were granted a warrant by magistrates.
“On executing the warrant, we discovered a large, commercial-scale cannabis farm. I’m grateful to the member of the public who came forward with this information.
“The production of cannabis on this scale causes significant harm to communities, as it’s often linked to violence, exploitation, and other forms of criminality. Illegal enterprises such as this will not be tolerated in North Yorkshire.”
Police are urging residents to report any suspicions of drug cultivation.
Signs of a possible cannabis farm include:
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A property that appears unoccupied
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People or vehicles coming and going at unusual hours
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Large boxes, pipes, lighting equipment, or fertilizer being delivered
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The smell of cannabis that comes and goes
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Fans or ventilation noises
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Visible building work inside the property
Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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