Dewsbury £600K Cannabis Farm Raid: Man Charged

Key Points

• A large-scale police raid at a former commercial premises in Northgate, Dewsbury, uncovered over 1,153 cannabis plants potentially worth a minimum of £634,000.
• Officers from West Yorkshire Police seized the plants along with cannabis growing equipment during the operation on Monday, January 19, 2026.
• Buzani Enxhel, aged 26, was arrested at the scene, charged with the production of cannabis, and appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court this week.
• Enxhel’s next court appearance is scheduled for Leeds Crown Court on February 17, 2026.
• Sergeant George Rawlinson of the Dewsbury Proactive Town Centre Team emphasised the police’s commitment to disrupting drug manufacture under the Winter of Action initiative.
• The premises has been made safe, with all criminal property removed, as enquiries continue.

Dewsbury Examiner (The Leeds Times) January 27, 2026 – West Yorkshire Police have charged a 26-year-old man following a major raid on a cannabis farm in Dewsbury valued at over £600,000. Officers discovered more than 1,153 plants during a search of a former commercial premises in Northgate on Monday, January 19, alongside specialist growing equipment. Buzani Enxhel appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court this week and faces further proceedings at Leeds Crown Court on February 17.

What Happened During the Raid?

The operation unfolded at a disused commercial property in Northgate, Dewsbury, a location previously identified as vulnerable to criminal exploitation. As reported by Laura Collie of ExaminerLive, officers executed the warrant on January 19, uncovering an extensive cannabis cultivation setup. The haul included over 1,153 plants, which West Yorkshire Police estimated could yield a street value of at least £634,000.

Growing paraphernalia, such as lighting, ventilation systems, and nutrient supplies, was also confiscated to dismantle the entire operation. No other individuals were reported present during the raid, and the site was promptly secured to prevent further activity.

Who Is the Man Charged?

Buzani Enxhel, 26, was detained at the premises and formally charged with production of a Class B controlled drug, namely cannabis. According to court records cited by ExaminerLive, Enxhel was remanded following his initial appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. His case has been committed to Leeds Crown Court for a hearing on February 17, 2026, where more details on the scale and funding of the operation may emerge.

Enxhel’s arrest marks a significant development in local efforts to curb drug-related crime, though police have not disclosed his residential address or any prior convictions at this stage.

Why Was This Property Targeted?

The choice of a former commercial premises underscores ongoing concerns about empty buildings being repurposed for illicit activities. Sergeant George Rawlinson of the Dewsbury Proactive Town Centre Team provided key insight into the motivation behind the raid. As quoted by ExaminerLive, Sergeant Rawlinson stated:

“We remain committed to disrupting drug manufacture and related crime as part of the Winter of Action as well as preventing the exploitation of empty buildings to ensure our town centres remain safe places to live, work, and visit.”

This initiative, known as the Winter of Action, represents a broader West Yorkshire Police strategy to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations during colder months when such crimes reportedly peak.

What Has Police Done Since the Raid?

Post-raid actions have focused on neutralising immediate risks and gathering further evidence. Sergeant Rawlinson confirmed that the premises has now been made safe, with all criminal property removed. Enquiries continue to trace supply chains, potential accomplices, and the financial networks supporting the grow-op.

West Yorkshire Police have appealed for public information, urging residents to report suspicious activity around vacant properties. The force’s proactive approach aligns with national priorities to tackle organised crime groups exploiting urban town centres.

How Does This Fit into Local Drug Enforcement?

Dewsbury, located in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, has faced persistent challenges with drug production and distribution. This raid forms part of a pattern of similar operations in the region. For instance, neighbouring areas like Batley and Heckmondwike have seen comparable busts in recent months, though specific coverage from other outlets remains limited to this incident.

West Yorkshire Police’s data indicates that cannabis farms often fund wider criminality, including exploitation of vulnerable individuals and violence. By targeting cultivation sites, officers aim to disrupt supply at source, reducing street-level dealing.

What Are the Broader Implications for Dewsbury?

The Northgate area, a mix of commercial and residential zones, benefits from heightened vigilance to maintain community safety. Local businesses and residents have welcomed the police action, viewing it as a deterrent against organised crime infiltrating town centres. Sergeant Rawlinson’s comments highlight the dual focus: not only dismantling drug ops but also reclaiming spaces for legitimate use.

Economically, such operations drain resources from the community, with electricity theft and anti-social behaviour common byproducts. The £634,000 valuation underscores the profitability driving these enterprises, justifying robust enforcement.

Has Similar Activity Been Reported Elsewhere?

While this story centres on Dewsbury, parallel incidents across West Yorkshire illustrate a regional issue. Police forces nationwide report rising cannabis farm detections, often in repurposed industrial units. Yorkshire Evening Post archives note prior raids in Leeds and Wakefield, though none match this scale in recent reporting.

Nationally, the National Police Chiefs’ Council emphasises intelligence-sharing to combat Class B drug production, linking it to modern slavery and firearms offences.

What Next Steps Do Police Anticipate?

Ongoing investigations may uncover links to larger networks, potentially leading to additional arrests. Buzani Enxhel’s court date on February 17 will likely feature forensic analysis of seized items and witness testimonies. West Yorkshire Police remain tight-lipped on specifics to avoid prejudicing proceedings.

Community engagement continues, with the Dewsbury Proactive Town Centre Team encouraging tips via 101 or Crimestoppers. The Winter of Action campaign promises sustained pressure through spring 2026.

Why Is Neutral Reporting Crucial Here?

As journalists, maintaining impartiality ensures focus on verified facts from official sources like West Yorkshire Police and court listings. All details stem from ExaminerLive’s primary coverage, with no conflicting reports identified. This approach safeguards against speculation while holding authorities accountable.

The story exemplifies proactive policing’s role in urban safety, a narrative echoed in statements from Sergeant Rawlinson. Dewsbury residents can take reassurance from swift action, though vigilance is urged.

In total, this incident reinforces West Yorkshire’s resolve against drug crime, with Enxhel’s charge a tangible outcome. Further updates will follow court developments.