THOUSANDS of cannabis plants have been discovered in a drugs factory in Hucknall – believed to be the biggest ever found in Notts.
Officers swooped on Alexandra House, in Watnall Road, early yesterday morning. They found 3,000 plants with a street value of £1.5 million.
The building appears from the outside to be derelict but was previously used as a gym.
People living nearby said they were shocked by the scale of the haul. Charlotte Richardson, 25, of Goodall Crescent, said: "I've passed it loads of times and just thought it was a gym. It's degrading for Hucknall."
Stacey French, 23, of Watnall Road, said: "I had no idea. You see a lot of people hanging around there but I just assumed that it was because it was a gym."
Inspector Nick Butler said officers found the drugs after obtaining out a search warrant "Police discovered a sophisticated set-up inside with thousands of plants and hydroponic systems.
"Officers will remain at the scene while the plants are recovered and it could take us days to dismantle everything.
He added: "Police will act on any information about local criminality and I urge anyone with information about crime happening where they live to get in touch."
This is the latest in a series of cannabis factories raided by Notts Police this year. A £1 million haul was found in Newark in and 500 plants were discovered in a cellar in North Circus Street, in Nottingham city centre.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the latest find and police urged anyone with information about cannabis production to call them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.