Cannabis with an estimated street value of £7.1 million has been
discovered at a derelict former school in Wick following a Police
Scotland–led investigation supported by the Civil Nuclear
Constabulary (CNC).
On Thursday, 29 January 2026, officers acting on intelligence
executed a warrant at a building on West Bank Avenue. A
sophisticated cannabis cultivation was discovered, including more
than 5,900 cannabis plants and dried cannabis, with the dried
cannabis alone estimated to have a street value of £456,000.
Seven individuals have been arrested and charged in connection
with the matter. Three individuals – two men aged 44 and 27 and a
17-year-old male youth – appeared at Wick Sheriff Court on
Friday, 30 January 2026. A further four men, aged 46, 35, 23 and
23, appeared at the same court on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
The CNC provided specialist support to the operation, including
the deployment of trained officers and a general purpose police
dog from its Dounreay Operational Policing Unit.
Inspector Richard Humphrey said: “This operation demonstrates the
value of specialist capability and close joint working in support
of complex policing activity.
“Our officers and dog teams worked professionally alongside
Police Scotland and partner agencies, contributing to a
significant recovery and a clear disruption to drugs production
and supply.”
CNC support was provided without detriment to its core policing
role of protecting the UK's civil nuclear sites and safeguarding
nuclear material, which remained fully resourced throughout.
Detective Inspector Phoebe McDaid, of Police Scotland, said:
“This is a very significant recovery and an example of our
efforts to disrupt the activities of those involved in the supply
of illegal drugs.
“Drugs cause misery in our communities and the public has an
important role to play in helping Police Scotland target those
responsible for the cultivation, supply and sale of illegal
substances.
“Anyone with any information or concerns about drugs in their
community can call Police Scotland on 101 or contact
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
