Man is arrested in cannabis farm raid
Reporter: by RICHARD HOOTON
Date published: 10 September 2008
THE cannabis plants found in the latest police raid
ANOTHER cannabis farm growing dozens of plants worth several thousand pounds has been uncovered in a police raid.
Officers from the operational support unit (OSU) targeted a house in Walkers Court, Springhead, at 11.30am on Monday.
A cannabis factory with 24 mature plants and 51 nursery plants was discovered in one of the bedrooms and cellar area.
Two other mature plants were also found that were being used to clone additional plants. A quantity of cannabis growing equipment was also seized.
Officers also discovered that about £1,000 worth of electricity had been abstracted illegally.
A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of production of a controlled drug and abstracting electricity and has been bailed until November 20 pending further inquiries.
Det Con Peter Nuttall, from the Oldham OSU, said: “The message this raid sends is loud and clear, If you commit these sort of offences, we will be coming for you and we will be coming through your door.
“Whether it is one plant or 100, the production of cannabis is illegal and we are determined to stamp out this sort of activity.
“Abstracting electricity is a dangerous practice and there is always a risk of fire or explosion where electricity supplies are tampered with.
“I would also like to use the discovery of this farm as a warning to landlords. Do you know exactly what your tenants are doing?
“When electricity is found to have been abstracted illegally in the production of these farms, police have to disconnect the power supply. Some utility companies are charging landlords a hefty reconnection fee so the behaviour of tenants is leaving landlords out of pocket.
“I would ask landlords to work with us and remain vigilant to stop this criminal behaviour.”
Cannabis farms have been discovered across the borough, in houses, garages and even a pub.
Anyone who suspects a cannabis farm is being operated in their community should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161-872 5050.
