Video: Huge cannabis factory found in former supermarket in Leeds city centre

The “industrial scale” operation – in a disused Chinese supermarket off Vicar Lane – was uncovered after an electrician turned up to check on the supply.

Police have been at the four-storey former Wing Lee Hong business throughout today.

The exact number of plants inside has yet to be determined but it is thought to run into hundreds.

Leeds police’s specialist drugs and guns team, Operation Quartz, is now investigating.

Det Insp Jaz Khan said: “This is a very significant seizure of cannabis being grown on an industrial scale in an empty warehouse building in Leeds city centre.

“It was clearly being done as part of an organised criminal enterprise and our enquiries to trace those involved are ongoing.

“The scale of this cannabis farm means that a full forensic examination and search of the scene is likely to take some time. Only once this has taken place can we begin to dismantle the set-up and dispose of the plants.”

He also appealed to people working or living nearby to come forward with information.

“We suspect there will have been significant comings and goings around this building while this operation was set up,” he said.

“We would like to hear from anyone in the area, particularly nearby businesses, who may have seen anyone going to the building.

“We are committed to targeting criminals involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs that damage our communities and the public have a real part to play by passing on any information or suspicions they have so we can take action.”

Call Operation Quartz team via 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.