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.”
