Police uncover giant cannabis factory on city industrial estate

About 3,000 plants were discovered in a rented industrial unit on the Whitehall Cross Industrial Estate in Wortley after the owners, who run neighbouring firm Target Print, contacted police to report a suspicious smell.

The elaborate growing operation was spread over two floors and had been sectioned off into separate rooms containing plants at different stages of growth.

The estimated street value of the plants is 800,000, making it one of the biggest single seizures that West Yorkshire Police have seen.

Officers carried out a detailed forensic examination of the site and the plants were moved for disposal. Enquiries are continuing to trace those involved.

Gangs of organised criminals are known to be behind such sophisticated growing operations, which are costly to set up.

Acting Inspector Sue Disley, of the West Outer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The scale of this cannabis-growing operation puts it among the largest ever found in West Yorkshire and it represents a very significant seizure. Once again the vigilance of members of the public has played a vital role in stopping this drug reaching the streets where it can cause damage to individuals and our communities.

"We are very grateful to the public-spirited individuals who alerted us after becoming suspicious about what their premises were being used for. This again illustrates the important part the public can play in helping us to tackle organised criminals who think they can get away with growing cannabis on an industrial scale in our communities.

"We have had a good deal of success in uncovering these cannabis-growing operations and arresting the people behind them, and the vast majority have been found as a direct result of information from the local community.

"There are many ways to spot a potential cannabis factory and I would encourage people to familiarise themselves with these warning signs. Most cannabis factories will emit a strong and unusual smell. Neighbours may hear a lot of banging noises as the factory is set up and see people coming and going with bags of fertiliser and compost and other equipment such as powerful lights. If it's it a residential street it's likely the curtains will be kept closed at all times but bright lights may appear to be left on around the clock."