Two men have been arrested after police raided a major cannabis operation in a former bingo hall.

South Yorkshire Police (SYP) seized cannabis plants worth an estimated £2.18m at Empire Bingo in Swinton Road, Mexborough, near Doncaster.

Two men, aged 29 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of the production of class B drugs and remain in custody.

Pictures showed a large room full of plants – reportedly more than 2,000 or so – and police used an electric saw to break into the disused building.

The building is also known as Gala Bingo, according to the Doncaster Free Press.

Tuesday morning’s raid followed “weeks of work by the Doncaster West Neighbourhood Policing Team”, the force said.

Inspector Adrian Luscombe, whose team led the operation, explained: “In Mexborough and the surrounding areas of Doncaster, we focus heavily on tacking organised crime gangs (OCG).

“The groups of criminals who operate in our communities cause misery for many, and we are relentless in our pursuit of those who control their activity.

“Cannabis farms generate essential income that drives OCG activity, it’s not a ‘harmless’ drug in any way, shape or form.

“Often extremely vulnerable people are recruited to look after the grows, living in appalling conditions full of fear.

“Because of this, we invest significant resources in disrupting this activity and identifying those responsible.

“If you have information that could help us identify those who set up these farms it’s essential you come forward and tell us what you know.”

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