Around 2,000 cannabis plants have been discovered inside the former Wilko store in Grimsby Top Town.
Humberside Police said two men had been arrested after one of them tried to evade officers during a raid on Tuesday.
Officers have begun removing the contents of the cannabis factory, which is believed to be among the largest ever discovered in Grimsby town centre.
Wilko was closed in September 2023 and it has remained empty ever since. There are around 34,000 sq feet of floor space on the ground floor in the former store..
Visitors to the town centre are said to have become suspicious after noticing a smell from the premises around the festive season. Reports were acted upon by Humberside Police, who conducted surveillance in the run up to the raid.
Today a statement from Humberside Police said two men had been arrested after officers were called to the cannabis grow.
A spokesperson said: “Upon entering, officers discovered approximately 2,000 cannabis plants. A 48-year-old man was located inside the address and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.
Around 2,000 cannabis plants were found inside the former Wilko store
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“A 33-year-old man, who attempted to flee the area upon the arrival of officers, was located nearby and arrested on suspicion of cultivating class B drugs and trespassing on a railway. Both men remain in police custody whilst enquiries continue.”
The spokesperson added: “A scene guard remains in place to allow Crime Scene Investigators to carry out their enquiries and seize the plants, whilst officers continue their investigation to identify all those involved.
“If you have any information or CCTV footage regarding this incident, please call our non-emergency number 101 quoting log 154 of 13 January. Anybody with any concerns or information about drugs in your area, please speak to our officers on the ground or call our non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, if you wish to report anonymously you can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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