Police swoop on £1 million cannabis farm as officers make arrest in Oldham

Yesterday (Wednesday 8 January 2025), as part of Operation AVRO, neighbourhood officers in Oldham conducted a search warrant at a property on Higginshaw Lane in Royton in relation to a suspected cannabis farm.

Following intelligence from members of the public, along with additional enquiries, officers forced entry and located over £1million worth of mature cannabis plants.

A detailed inspection found the electricity supply had been bypassed too as part of a sophisticated setup.

Officers arrested a man in his 20’s on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.

An investigation was launched and remains ongoing, whilst the haul will be dismantled, seized and destroyed.

Inspector Stuart Berry of GMP's Oldham District, said: “This is a great example of our neighbourhood officers acting on information from the public to keep our communities safe.

“We know drugs supply has widespread consequences across Greater Manchester, and in Oldham we are determined to continue our approach of taking the fight back to the criminals on issues that matter the most to our local residents.

“We will continue to listen to concerns and take them on board when prioritising where in your community we need to have visible presence and what we need focus on to make people feel safer.

“You can report any concerns to us by calling 101 or through our Live Chat function at gmp.police.uk, or alternatively speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.”