Police Scotland has recovered cannabis with an estimated street value of £7.1 million from a derelict former school in Wick after officers executed an intelligence-led warrant on Thursday, 29 January 2026. The discovery comprised more than 5,900 plants and a quantity of dried cannabis, with the dried material alone assessed at around £456,000. (scotland.police.uk)
Seven individuals have been arrested and charged. Two men aged 44 and 27 and a 17‑year‑old male 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. (scotland.police.uk)
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) supported the operation with trained officers and a general purpose police dog drawn from its Dounreay Operational Policing Unit. The Constabulary stated that assistance was delivered without detriment to its core mission of protecting civil nuclear sites and safeguarding nuclear material. (gov.uk)
Statutory powers now enable the CNC to contribute to wider policing when authorised. Section 55A of the Energy Act 2004, inserted by the Energy Act 2023, allows the CNC-subject to Secretary of State consent-to provide additional police services beyond nuclear sites; section 56(3A) confirms officers’ constable powers at those locations. These provisions require that such support does not prejudice the CNC’s primary function, aligning with the Constabulary’s public statement. (legislation.gov.uk)
The Civil Nuclear Police Authority has published public notices confirming that, since 1 April 2025, the CNC has been authorised to provide armed protection at specified energy infrastructure under section 55A. While separate from the Wick case, these notices illustrate how the expanded framework is being applied operationally. (gov.uk)
Detective Inspector Phoebe McDaid described the Wick recovery as a significant disruption to drugs production and supply. Police Scotland has reported a series of high‑value cannabis seizures across the country in recent periods, including multi‑million‑pound totals recorded in 2024 and broader drugs recoveries throughout 2025, underscoring sustained enforcement pressure on organised groups. (scotland.police.uk)
Policy Wire analysis: For local authorities and estate managers, the use of a former school highlights a familiar risk profile-vacant public or commercial premises can be attractive to organised cultivators due to large floorplates and utility access. Routine security checks, utility monitoring and prompt reporting to local police remain central to prevention, as emphasised by Police Scotland’s public appeals. (scotland.police.uk)
Members of the public with information on suspected drug activity are encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers. The investigation continues through the courts following the initial appearances at Wick Sheriff Court on 30 January and 3 February 2026. (scotland.police.uk)