South Yorkshire Police uncover HUGE £700,000 cannabis factory during major drugs raid

Sarah Champion voiced her concerns after accompanying South Yorkshire police officers on a drug raid in Kiveton, where a huge cannabis factory was found in an industrial unit.

Drug cultivation equipment worth £40,000 was also seized by officers who cleared the cannabis farm after the pre-planned raid.

Two men, aged 31 and 38, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of being involved in the production of a controlled Class B drug.

Rotherham MP Ms Champion who was invited to attend the raid said: “I had the pleasure of following local police as they planned and executed a raid on an industrial scale cannabis factory in Rotherham.

“We met early in the morning for the briefing with firearms, modern slavery and dog handlers joining Rotherham officers. The professionalism and level of detail in the planning was incredibly impressive.

“When we got to the site, the controlled and systematic way the plan was carried out was quite something to be seen – not remotely like the fast action, often chaotic, image we see in TV dramas.

“At every stage authority was requested, which part of law being used was cited and avoiding any risk to public, or people in the factory, was constantly considered.

“Once inside, the true scale of the operation became apparent.

“To say I was impressed watching the officers’ work would be an understatement. The whole experience has left me with a deep gratitude for our police who often operate in the most challenging of situations, doing the work most of us would choose to avoid.

“It has also made me more aware, and concerned, of the criminal activity that happens in our midst and how we all need to be mindful and report anything that seems out of place.”

A number of massive cannabis farms have been busted by South Yorkshire Police over recent months, with the value of plants seized running into millions of pounds.

To report those involved in drug production or dealing, call South Yorkshire Police on 101.

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