A cannabis farm found in a former Kirkcaldy is the most valuable ever found in Scotland.
About 5,000 plants were discovered inside the old Nairn Mill building on Wednesday.
Police are still working out the value, but an initial estimate suggests the plants would be worth £7-8 million on the street.
It is understood that would make it Scotland’s most valuable cannabis haul.
However, officers say there is evidence of further crops having been grown in the building, which would potentially make the value of the operation even higher.
The Courier’s Fife reporter Neil Henderson, who visited the scene on Friday, said: “The vast plantation spans over the entire upper floors of the disused mill in what detectives say is the work of a highly organised crime gang.
“It’s understood that extensive internal and structural modifications have been made to the second and third floors to allow the maximum amount of growing space.
“In addition, a sophisticated ventilation system has been installed to mask the smell of the plants.
“Windows have also been boarded over and sealed in a bid to further reduce detection.
“Diesel and creosote have been used to further mask the smell of cannabis emanating from the building.
“Inspector Sergeant Johnny Lister told me that an extensive amount of work will have to be undertaken to make the building safe before the officers can even begin to dismantle the cultivation.
“Analysis of the equipment used is also continuing and specialist crime scene officers are expected to remain a the building for several more days.”
Sgt Lister said: “This is a very significant recovery and is an example of our efforts to disrupt the activity of illegal drugs in Scotland.
“Drugs cause misery in our communities.
“This recovery also underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“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.”
It comes just a day after an illegal immigrant was jailed for his part in running a £6.5m cannabis farm on Kirkcaldy High Street – said to be Scotland’s most valuable haul until now.
The Courier revealed on Thursday how criminals behind this latest cannabis factory had dug up the pavement to rig up an illegal power supply to the building.
The grade-B listed mill building was home to Fife College, forming part of its Priory Campus until it closed in 2016.
Plans were launched in 2021 to transform the site into 39 luxury flats and a gym.
However, the building has remained empty for several years.
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