Dramatic new footage has revealed police officers navigating a complex, 'maze-like' cannabis factory in Yorkshire, with an estimated street value exceeding £750,000. The video shows officers pulling back plastic curtains to expose multiple rows of lush, verdant cannabis plants before proceeding through tunnels that interconnect a sprawling web of rooms, all densely packed with the illegal crop.
Major Bust in Disused Warehouse
The factory was uncovered after a team of eight officers from the Rotherham Central Neighbouring Policing Team executed a warrant at a warehouse on Thames Street in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Friday, January 30. In total, 761 cannabis plants were seized from the property. With each plant valued at approximately £1,000 on the street, the haul is worth around £761,000, marking one of the largest cannabis raids in South Yorkshire's recent history.
Intricate Setup Across Multiple Floors
The plants were being cultivated across several floors of the disused commercial warehouse. The rooms were ingeniously connected by holes in the walls, where bricks had been deliberately removed to allow easy passage between areas, creating an intricate network. During the raid, no individuals were present at the property, and no arrests have been made thus far, though police enquiries are actively continuing.
Operation Grow's Significant Impact
This police operation was conducted under the umbrella of Operation Grow, a dedicated initiative aimed at cracking down on the illegal production and supply of cannabis in Rotherham. The operation has led to the seizure of 'tens of millions of pounds worth of cannabis.' According to South Yorkshire Police, more than £17 million worth of cannabis was confiscated under Operation Grow in 2024 alone.
Community Tips Lead to Discovery
The illegal activity came to light due to persistent, unexplained power cuts in the area, coupled with reports from residents about unusual odours. These alerts prompted both the police and the National Powergrid to investigate, ultimately leading to the launch of the operation in 2021.
Links to Organised Crime Highlighted
Rotherham Central NPT Inspector John Crapper emphasised the critical importance of dismantling such cannabis growing factories, citing their 'close ties to organised crime.' He explained, 'Not only do they fund illegal activities, but cannabis grows can significantly impact the quality of life for residents and nearby businesses. Electricity is often bypassed within these enterprises, posing a serious risk for neighbouring properties.' Inspector Crapper urged the public to report any suspicious concerns to the police promptly.
Broader National Crackdown on Drug Networks
This raid coincides with a separate, large-scale operation in London, where over 300 Metropolitan Police officers stormed 15 properties across Mitcham, South London. That operation resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects linked to notorious drug kingpins. Authorities seized Class A drugs, substantial amounts of cash, firearms, and a samurai sword. The suspects face charges including drug supply, possession of firearms and offensive weapons, possession of criminal property, and modern-day slavery.
The Met reported that in 2025, organised crime groups were disrupted more than 21,000 times, with 3,750 guns and weapons seized during the same period. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, cultivating cannabis is a serious offence punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment. Investigations into the Rotherham case remain ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to combat drug-related crime nationwide.
