RESIDENTS of Burn, near Selby, where Mr Chen’s body was found, were also shocked.

Andy Howdall, landlord of the village’s Wheatsheaf pub, said: “There was plenty of talk in the pub at the time when the body was found, but we had no idea that it was connected to a cannabis farm in Elvington until now.

“It was quite a shock for the village at the time, and no doubt it will be even more of a shock for the people living in Elvington. I’m sure this will be the talk of the village for some time to come.”

Judy Jackson, who lives near the canal, said: “When the news broke of the body in the canal it was a big surprise – for something like that to happen to a relatively quiet village. It was shocking to think that this sort of thing had happened on our doorsteps.

“You cannot help but wonder who it is that has done that, and if that person might pass through the village or you might bump into him into a pub. Now to think it was involved with a drugs operation is an eye opener.

“I think the fact that these men have been found and brought to justice is a result for police and for the area. I have lived here pretty much all my life and cannot recall of anything at all on a scale like this ever happening – drug gangs and Chinese triads is a new one for this sleepy village.”