Raid uncovers cannabis farm

Sgt Cherie Dunn among the cannabis plants discovered in the raid

THREE men were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and handling stolen goods after a cannabis farm worth £150,000 was discovered.

Officers from the Oldham Operational Support Unit swooped on premises in Garden Street, Mumps, during an early morning raid on Tuesday.

Up to 400 cannabis plants were found, as well as a number of car body parts and engines.

The men, aged 25, 32 and 34, have been bailed until September 15 pending further inquiries.

Sgt Cherie Dunn, from the Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a fantastic result in the wake of last week’s National Tackling Drugs Week.

“It is important the community knows that police in Oldham are continuing to tackle drug supply, the dealers behind these activities and the associated criminality linked to it.

“Drugs can have a devastating effect on our communities and it is very pleasing to have stopped these drugs from hitting our streets.

“I would like to thank the community for providing information which has led to this recovery of drugs and vehicle parts.”

Residential and commercial properties are often developed into cannabis factories and distinctive signs that people can look out for include:

::People arriving and leaving properties at random times of the day and night.

::A pungent aroma in the area.

::Large amounts of electrical wiring, light fittings, chemicals or compost being delivered to residential premises.

::Blacked out windows or bright lights coming from a number of windows all night.

Landlords and letting agents can also play a key role in helping police identify suspects as cannabis farming is mostly carried out in rented property.

Electricity illegally extracted by the growers to power the lights and fans can total tens of thousands of pounds and the utility companies will seek to recover the cost from landlords.

The wiring installed by the growers has led to fires, on occasions destroying the property.

Anyone with information about drug dealing in their area should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.