Four arrests after hidden cannabis factory discovered in Knaresborough

More than 100 plants were found on the lower floor of S&R Motors on Harrogate Road, Ferrensby, on Tuesday, April 28 when a local officer became suspicious about the site.

The hidden operation was discovered after the officer went to investigate and found the plants, along with equipment commonly used in the production of cannabis.

A 36-year-old man from Leeds was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis while two other men, aged 24 and 30, were arrested in Plompton a short time later.

All three men have now been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.

Following police enquiries, a fourth man was arrested in connection with the incident in Harrogate on Wednesday 29 April 2015. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Phil Coward, of Harrogate Serious Crime Team has now appealed for ‘community intelligence’ from local residents who may know more about the operation.

He said: ““Drugs cause untold harm in our communities and by discovering operations like this it prevents more illegal substances from getting onto the streets.

“The fight against drugs is a difficult and ongoing campaign but one which we can make progress on with the help of the public.

“Community intelligence has proved to be very useful to us in the past as local residents know what is going on where they live and I would like to appeal to people to continue providing us with information about drugs in their area.”

If you have any information contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 1 – and pass information to the Force Control Room.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111