Cannabis farm discovered in police raid

Cannabis with an estimated street value of £25,000 growing at an address in Stanley Street

Cannabis with an estimated street value of £25,000 has been seized following a police raid on a property on Stanley Street, Rochdale.

Around 50 plants, that were growing with the aid of high powered lighting, fans and nutrients were discovered. Officers from GMP Rochdale North, who attended the scene, described the plants as being "like Christmas trees" and "amongst the largest ever seen by officers".

PC Gibson said: "This farm was ready to be harvested, the person(s) responsible for this grow would have attended almost daily for the past 3-4 months, in order to water and nourish the plants. Unfortunately for the growers, the time and money they have invested in to this grow has been a pointless exercise as the farm has now been closed down."

A major element of detecting cannabis plantations stems from community vigilance, tell tale signs to look out for include:

• Rented accommodation, that is infrequently visited - the occupants being anti-social
• Windows covered or boarded up from the inside
• Curtains drawn constantly
• Condensation on windows
• A sweet sickly potent stench
• Bins not placed out
• Individuals seen carrying lighting and soil in to the address
• Fan noise