Police uncovered three huge cannabis farms during a series of raids on homes in Rochdale. Officers seized more than £250k worth of the drug after swooping on three properties across the town on Friday.
They uncovered a 'network of cannabis farms' containing 448 plants and around half a kilogram of cannabis. Each address had sophisticated modifications, including watering systems, high powered lighting and bespoke tents.
"Extremely dangerous" electrical bypasses were seen to be melting the wiring at the addresses - in Hardwicke Street, Halifax Road and Greenfield Street - officers said. Police say the work caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage, adding that it was "extremely lucky" that the properties had not caught fire.
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They also issued a warning to landlords about 'conducting due diligence on potential tenants'. The farms were dismantled and the plants - which have an estimated street value of more than £250k - were seized.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Detective Sergeant Gibson of GMP’s Rochdale Challenger Unit said: “Sadly for the organised criminals, their three grow sites were identified by police and decommissioned, with some of the plants not far off being ready to harvest.
“The discoveries highlight the need for landlords to do their upmost to conduct due diligence on potential tenants, and to never accept cash payments for rent, or rental payments in advance. The damage caused to today’s properties was extensive, and it was extremely lucky that they had not caught fire due to the electrics.
“Organised criminal groups who operate the control and supply of these drugs have a destructive impact on our communities and attract further criminality to the area.
"Although we have 3 sites of cannabis production, our enquiries will remain ongoing, and we will continue in our pledge to disrupt this type of criminality.”
If anyone has any concerns about the trade of drugs in your area contact us directly on 101 or gmp.police.uk or through crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 111 555.
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