Cannabis plants worth £500k seized by police

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Cannabis plants (file photo)

A cannabis farm of over 400 plants with an estimated street value of £500,000 has been discovered by police.

Rochdale North’s Neighbourhood Team executed two warrants on Dunster Avenue and discovered an elaborate cannabis farm on all floors within various rooms of the properties, along with an electrical bypass.

Two men, aged 36 and 31, were located inside the address tending to the plants and were arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis plants and abstracting electricity.

An electricity bypass was confirmed in each property, which resulted in Electricity North West attending. They were required to ensure the properties were safe.

Over 400 plants were seized, with an estimated street value of £500,000.

Inspector Meena Yasin, of GMP’s Rochdale North Neighbourhood team, said: “These warrants have resulted in a significant amount of cannabis being seized and we remain dedicated to removing drugs from the streets.

“This is not a victimless crime – there is a web of organised criminality behind these recent seizures.

“Without input from our communities, we wouldn’t be able to execute such warrants. I would encourage anyone with any concerns or information about the trade of drugs in your area to come forward and speak with police directly or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

“Information from the public plays an incredibly important role in these warrants time and time again – please let us know if you have any concerns about drug activity in your local area.”

If a crime is in progress, always dial 999. Alternatively, you can report it online using the Live Chat button or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.