Officers continue crackdown on cannabis farms

A total of 13 raids have been carried out in two weeks by police officers in the City of Manchester division as part of an operation to crackdown on sophisticated cannabis farms.

The operation, codenamed 'Operation Download', was launched at the start of the month after a number of violent disputes believed to be involving criminal groups and cannabis farms in recent months.

Yesterday (Thursday), three further warrants were executed in the Strangeways and Moston areas of the city.

Last week, on June 15, the team of officers recovered over 170 plants on Eadington Street in Crumpsall and over 70kilos were found at other addresses on Haversham Road and Huntley Road.

This latest action follows a number of warrants already executed by the team in the Crumpsall, Blackley, Prestwich and Moston.

A total of nine suspected cannabis farms have been dismantled and seized.

Seven men have been charged and one has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Police are set to continue with the action in the coming weeks and appeal to any members of the public with concerns or information to contact them.

Detective Inspector Paul Crompton, of GMP's City of Manchester North division, said: "This targeted action comes after an increase in violent disputes between rival groups that we believe concerns cannabis farms in north Manchester.

"We are aiming to take out as many of these cannabis farms as we possibly can.

"Part of our crackdown is about us working with Manchester City Council and relevant local partners to develop an understanding of how these groups are managing to use properties in the city to carry out this alleged activity.

"The local community understandably has strong concerns about such activity and this operation is also to reassure them that we are listening and that we are taking robust action.

"Not only is the production of illegal drugs a criminal offence, but the mechanics of producing such substances pose a really dangerous threat to neighbouring addresses and it is vital we continue this work and seize assets."

Anyone with concerns or information can contact GMP's City of Manchester CID on 0161 856 3548.

Details can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.