Police reveal thousands of pounds worth of cannabis in disused warehouse

Cannabis

Police discovered a large cannabis farm after raiding a derelict Spotland Bridge warehouse. 

The sophisticated farm stored over 500 separate plants worth tens of thousands of pounds in street value.

The under cover investigation prevented a massive amount of the class C drug from spilling out into the streets of Rochdale.

Officers found row after row of mature cannabis plants flourishing under low-slung, high-powered lighting, providing the intense heat needed to induce the rapid growth of the drug.

Police believe the plants were only days away from being used.

The cannabis farm is the latest discovery by the Rochdale north policing team, who over the last few months have recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of class C and A drugs in Spotland and Falinge.

Police Sergeant Jamie Collins said: "The neighbourhood team has been targeting the Spotland and Falinge area as there has been a lot of dealing in the area.

"Over the past three to six months we have had a massive impact on reducing the supply of both class A and C drugs.

"We have some quite significant cases going through the courts for mid-level dealers, who could be facing lengthy prison sentences.

"This was a highly fortified premises and a sophisticated set-up. Inquiries are still ongoing to trace the offenders.

"In the last few months the Rochdale north policing team has had a great deal of success. We want to send out a clear message that we are targeting drug dealing."