Police Scotland has uncovered a cannabis farm inside the former Wick High School on West Banks Avenue, Caithness, seizing drugs with an estimated street value of £7.1 million during a warrant-led raid on Thursday 29 January 2026. The investigation was led by local officers and supported by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary’s Dounreay unit - a collaboration that underlines northern forces working together outside the central belt. (scotland.police.uk)

Officers discovered more than 5,900 plants alongside dried cannabis valued at £456,000. CNC provided trained officers and a general purpose police dog from its Dounreay Operational Policing Unit, and said support was delivered “without detriment” to its core role of protecting nuclear sites. (gov.uk)

Seven people 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; four further men, aged 46, 35, 23 and 23, appeared at the same court on Tuesday 3 February. (scotland.police.uk)

Detective Inspector Phoebe McDaid described the seizure as “a very significant recovery” and thanked partner agencies and the community for their support, adding that “Drugs cause misery in our communities.” It is a clear signal that the Highlands is not immune to organised supply chains. (scotland.police.uk)

The site itself is loaded with local history. The original Wick High School building faces West Banks Avenue and has been largely mothballed since pupils moved to the new campus in 2017, making this alleged repurposing of a civic landmark all the more jarring for residents. (wickhighschool.co)

For the far north, the operation shows the value of specialist capability close at hand. CNC Inspector Richard Humphrey praised “close joint working” with Police Scotland after the Dounreay team supported the warrant - a reminder that armed, specialist policing resource is rooted in Caithness, not just the big cities. (gov.uk)

Readers across the North of England will recognise the CNC’s role. The force is tasked with guarding the UK’s civil nuclear estate and regularly coordinates with regional forces; it also operates at major sites such as Sellafield in Cumbria, demonstrating the cross-border nature of this capability. (gov.uk)

Nationally, seven‑figure cannabis cultivations remain a policing priority. Police Scotland reported almost £80 million worth of drugs seized across 2025, including multiple large cannabis farms - the wider backdrop to January’s arrests in Caithness. (scotland.police.uk)

Officers are asking anyone with information about cultivation or supply to come forward. Tip‑offs can be passed to Police Scotland via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 - simple steps that make a difference in towns like Wick. (scotland.police.uk)