£1m cannabis farm seized and dismantled by local Heywood policing team

Heywood Neighbourhood officers seized an estimated million-pounds worth of cannabis during a warrant executed earlier this morning (12 December).

The raid, which came in the town centre this morning, resulted in approximately 2,200 plants being recovered.

The readiness and scale of the plant-grow has meant the discovery could have a street value as high as £1m.

When officers attended the address, they located a man watering the plants – and who was subsequently arrested.

A 38-year-old man remains in custody following the arrest on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.

The work came on the back of intelligence gathered within the community, and as part of the force’s wider ongoing festive campaign.

This is seeing GMP supporting the Home Office’s ‘Winter of Action’ – a concentrated focus on criminality including shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Hannah Taala, from GMP's Heywood Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was a fantastic find for our local officers and I am glad that we have been able to remove such a large amount of illicit drugs from our streets.

“While some people may not associate harm with cannabis, they can come with a range of risks – from addiction and exploitation of vulnerable people to the disputes between gangs who sell them.

“The use of it is something that we get complaints about, including people who intimidate and harass people while brazenly using the drug in public.

“As part of the Winter of Action, Heywood’s Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to reducing these sorts of ASB offences, tackling the issue at the root and punishing those who cause issues in the community.

“I would urge you to get in touch with us over this festive period if you have any problems – we won’t be stopping and will be there to assist you.”