A FORMER police officer from Denholme, who found an elaborate cannabis farm in an apartment, has revealed how he was told by police to dismantle it himself.

Garry Gregory, who served in murder, robbery and drugs squads during a 26-year career, claimed that officers who attended the flat were disinterested and said there was nothing they could do about the drugs stash.

It comes as the West Yorkshire force admits it is having to review the way it deals with cannabis farms because the problem is costing so much money.

Mr Gregory, 59, said there was cannabis bush, which he estimated to be valued at thousands of pounds, on the floor of the living room and a bedroom, and in large sealed bags in the apartment, in Bradford city centre, along with a sophisticated drugs factory with insulation, heat lamps, fertilisation and a ventilation and watering system.

He said: “There were 154 plastic storage containers, all full of cannabis. It was a major cannabis farm. It was certainly not for somebody’s personal use.”

He has retired from the force and now runs a cleaning and caretaker business. He said he and the landlord of the property, David Pollard, discovered the drug factory when they carried out an inspection of the apartment, and called the police straight away.

“Two uniformed bobbies turned up," said Mr Gregory. "They looked inside the flat but weren't interested.

“The occupants of the flat had moved out, but the landlord had their details."

Mr Gregory has written to West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson and his local MP Philip Davies to raise his concerns.

Mr Burns-Williamson said he would look at the issues raised.

"With regard to cannabis farms West Yorkshire Police have undertaken a lot of good work to eradicate them," he added.

"I would urge anyone with suspicions to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."