Police have uncovered a large cannabis factory containing over 1000 cannabis plants at an agricultural farm in Sessay, near Thirsk.

Neighbourhood officers made the discovery last week after searching the property, finding over 1000 cannabis plants, dried cannabis stored in 500g-1kg bags, and various lighting and equipment features organised in a ‘sophisticated set-up’.

The street value of the cannabis seized is estimated to be in excess of £500,000, and the other equipment is also believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The local Neighbourhood Inspector for Hambleton, Rory Sadler said: “We received community intelligence suggesting there was a cannabis farm at the location, we conducted enquiries and were subsequently granted a warrant by magistrates.

“We executed the warrant and discovered a large, commercial scale cannabis farm. Illegal enterprises such as this will not be tolerated in North Yorkshire and we will always work to proactively remove them.”

Police have arrested seven men in connection to the cannabis factory; all seven suspects have now been released on bail.

Two PCs with a German Shepard, found at the site. (Credit: North Yorkshire Police)