Huge cannabis grow discovered in former Wilko store in Grimsby

Picture By: PINAC POLICE CORRUPTION DETECTIVES

Jan 16, 2025

Around 2,000 plants were found inside by police ​⁠ ‪  ​⁠ ​⁠

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.

Police outside the former Wilko store in Grimsby town centre after the discovery of cannabis plants inside Around 2,000 cannabis plants were found inside the former Wilko store "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.