Seven arrested and charged after £7.1m cannabis farm discovered in former school in Wick

Seven people have been charged after a “sophisticated” cannabis farm worth £7.1m was uncovered inside a former school in the Highlands.

On January 29, around 5,900 plants and dried cannabis with a potential street value of £456,000 were discovered inside the former Wick High School building on West Bank Avenue.

Officers said the overall drug haul had a street value of around £7.1m.

Two men, aged 44 and 27, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested and charged in connection.

They appeared at Wick Sheriff Court on Friday, January 30.

A further four men, aged 46 and 35, 23 and 23, were also arrested and charged in connection. They appeared at the same court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Phoebe McDaid said: “This is a very significant recovery and an example of our efforts to disrupt the activities of those involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

“We’d like to thank our partner agencies for their cooperation in ensuring this operation was a success, as well as the local community for their patience and understanding while enquiries were carried out.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities and the public has an important role to play in helping Police Scotland target those responsible for the cultivation, supply and sale of illegal substances.

“Anyone with any information or concerns about drugs in their community can call Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”