Officers uncover large cannabis farm in Bury after chasing suspect

On the morning of Friday 31 January 2025 at around 8am, officers conducted a warrant at a mill on Milltown Street in Radcliffe, Bury.

A large cannabis farm was found, this was after officers used their instinct to conduct further enquiries after chasing a suspect over the land previously.

Using the specialist unit of the drone unit for a wider view, it enabled them to spot something that was suspicious which ultimately led to the significant find. What was uncovered was precisely 658 plants and six vacuum packed bags ready for distribution into communities.

Inspector Gareth Edwards from our Bury Neighbourhood Team said, “On this occasion the find boiled down to some luck, but working collaboratively with key resources we have at our disposal alongside the Council, Environmental Health, and the fire service through joint agency work we are looking to prevent further offences at the location.

“We are continuing to conduct enquiries to find those responsible with a view to closing the mill until it is deemed safe, as the wider impact this had on the environment in terms of waste is another serious concern.

“Our work to tackle drugs supply is continuing at pace and we only know too well the devastating consequences drugs has within communities of Bury and across Greater Manchester as well as further afield.

“This was a well-planned setup with intelligence showcasing that drugs supply can lead to other serious criminal offences, including modern slavery.”

Anyone with further information about this discovery, is asked to call 101 in confidence quoting incident 462 of 31/01/2025. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.