Police in Leigh uncover cannabis farm, cash, and an imitation firearm in morning raids

In the early hours of the morning (Tuesday 19 December), police from the Wigan  organised crime team executed warrants at two addresses in Leigh, discovering a large cannabis farm, around £6k cash, and an imitation firearm.

Two men aged 21 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and possession of an imitation firearm. A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Pat Wood who leads the districts Challenger team said: “The perception that the cultivation of cannabis is victimless couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime gangs, and funds other elements of serious crime such as firearms and modern slavery.

“It’s for that reason that warrants and arrests relating to cannabis farms have a disruptive impact on organised criminal activity in the area, and we will continue to pursue these types of offenders and remove them from our streets.

“The intelligence gathered today will enable us to build up a greater picture of the illegal activity happening across Wigan and Leigh and will contribute to future operational activity.”

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “This is excellent work from our Challenger team in Wigan. We remain committed and tenacious in actively disrupting criminals who seek to involve themselves in criminal activity that links to higher level, organised criminality. We will not tolerate this in Greater Manchester and police and community safety partners are working hard to rid communities of this.”

If you suspect someone is illegally supplying drugs or illicit substances in your community, please report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111