UPDATE: £6m cannabis operation uncovered by police was at former Fogarty's Factory

The haul – the biggest ever in the county – was found after a large-scale operation at the former bedding manufacturer, which closed in 2018, after more than 150 years in business, on Fishtoft Road.

Police released details of the operation to seize the drugs, which were housed in a 50,000 square unit, earlier this week.

Officers said the cannabis grow is the largest scale that has ever been seen in Lincolnshire.

Police executed the warrant on Friday March 26 with a large scale operation which they required the ‘tireless efforts of a large number of staff’.

It is thought to have involved the police helicopter and dog units.

Three men, aged 20, 23 and 25 have been charged and remanded into custody.

A spokesperson for the force said cannabis grows of this size are often linked with serious and organised crime and other criminality.

T/Detective Inspector Mark Seage said: “This was a huge challenge. It required the dedicated efforts of staff from a number of policing departments.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved. We take such investigations very seriously and every member of staff worked incredibly hard.

“We work very closely with partners, taking a robust and proactive stance in order to reduce the risk to communities through rigorous investigations.

“Cannabis cultivation happens in both commercial and residential premises. We urge landlords to be stringent and vigilant in the letting of their properties and if they have any suspicions or concerns, to come to us and report them.

“Communities can also play a role in passing on any information they have about drugs in our county. The policing activity will have been noticed locally and we appreciate the support, patience and cooperation from residents.”

Anyone who has information or suspicions concerning illegal drugs cultivation can call us on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.