A large cannabis farm has been found at a former motor spares premises in Rotherham, South Yorkshire Police has said. Officers seized the plants after executing a drugs warrant at the site, as first reported by Examiner Live.

Officers from the Rotherham North Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out the warrant at Dearne Motor Spares under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Cannabis is a Class B drug in the UK.

Eight rooms of plants

A force spokesperson said: “During the warrant, officers discovered and seized a large cannabis cultivation, the photo is one of 8 rooms full of plants we located. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

The force did not say in the statement reported so far how many plants were seized, what they were worth, or whether anyone had been arrested. No details of the date of the warrant were given in the report.

Examiner Live reported that Companies House records show Dearne Motor Spares Limited, which is registered at the same address, is subject to an active proposal to be struck off the company register. The report did not suggest any link between the company and the cannabis cultivation, and none should be assumed.

Police appeal for information

Police said the discovery followed information from the local community. The force urged residents to keep coming forward with anything they know about drug-related activity in their area.

The spokesperson said: “Information from our communities plays a vital role in tackling criminality. If you have any information about drug-related activity or any other crime in your area, please report it by calling 101.” People who do not wish to give their details can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously.

The spokesperson added: “Thank you for continuing to support us in keeping our communities safe.”

Background

Large cannabis cultivations are often found in commercial and industrial buildings that have been emptied or are no longer in regular use. Police forces across England and Wales regularly report finding such sites, and growing cannabis without a licence is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

South Yorkshire Police said its enquiries into the Rotherham site remain ongoing. Any further action, such as arrests or charges, would be a matter for the force and the courts.