Police Scotland, with specialist support from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), uncovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation in Wick with an estimated street value of £7.1 million. The operation, conducted on 29 January 2026 at a derelict former school on West Bank Avenue, led to the discovery of over 5,900 cannabis plants and dried cannabis valued at approximately £456,000.
Seven individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the seizure. Three suspects, including two adult men and a 17-year-old youth, appeared at Wick Sheriff Court on 30 January, while four additional men appeared on 3 February. The arrests follow intelligence-led action aimed at disrupting large-scale illegal drug operations.
The CNC provided specialist support, deploying trained officers and a general-purpose police dog from its Dounreay Operational Policing Unit. Inspector Richard Humphrey highlighted the importance of joint working and specialist capability in complex policing operations, noting that the team’s efforts contributed to significant disruption of drugs production and supply.
CNC emphasized that its involvement in the operation did not compromise its core role of protecting UK civil nuclear sites and safeguarding nuclear material, which remained fully resourced throughout the operation.
Detective Inspector Phoebe McDaid of Police Scotland described the seizure as a significant recovery and stressed the ongoing need to disrupt illegal drug activity. She urged the public to assist by providing information to Police Scotland or Crimestoppers to help target individuals involved in drug cultivation, supply, and sales.
