Drugs, cars, motorbikes and a jet ski were all seized by police following a major early morning raid on a north-east farm.
Witnesses said a number of police cars made their way up the single track road to Drumdelgie Farm near Huntly at about 8am on Saturday.
Soon after they cordoned-off a large shed which it later emerged contained a number of vehicles, all believed to have been stolen.
Officers were seen searching the building and the surrounding area throughout the weekend and local access was restricted.
Last night police confirmed they expected to remain in the area for “a number of days” due to the scale of the search.
Witnesses who live nearby confirmed the property, which was rented by a mechanic until last month, had been leased to a group of men a fortnight ago who they believed were panel beaters.
It is understood police may have been alerted to unusual activity at the site after complaints about speeding cars in the area.
Christian Lindon,chairman of the Huntly Strength and Fitness Club, said he received a call on Saturday telling him police were preventing people from accessing the gym, which is located next to the farm.
He said: “I went up to check and there were two CID officers and five uniform officers at the shed just across from my gym.
“He asked me if I knew anything about the guys who are renting the shed. I thought it was just guys renting it to work on cars, which isn’t that unusual here.
“I know there were complaints about speeding recently because someone contacted me thinking the problem drivers might have been people who used the gym.
“I don’t know much about the guys other than they were local boys.”
Another witness, who lives near the farm, said she was “in the dark” as to what had gone on inside the shed.
“They told us we were safe and that they might be there until Monday,” said the witness, who wished to remain anonymous.
“The first thing we knew of anything happening was when the police cars and vans arrived.
“We are just as much in the dark as everyone else. It is usually really quiet up here.”
Yesterday afternoon a number of vehicle removal trucks arrived at the farm and began loading up dozens of vehicles, including a silver Audi TT and a Mini, together with jetskis, motorbikes and a selection of car engines.
Police confirmed a “proactive” inquiry in connection with “drugs and stolen property” was under way.
A spokesman added: “It is likely a police presence will remain in the area for a number of days due to the scale of the search and thank the public for their patience.”
