Seven people were arrested and three 'sophisticated' cannabis farms were identified in a series of dawn raids across the Rochdale policing district on Thursday. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said 'dozens' of plants and equipment were seized during the operation, which involved more than 50 officers.
Five men and two women were in custody for questioning on Thursday afternoon. The raids followed 'months' of planning after intelligence gathered across the district, including Heywood, Middleton, and Newhey.
Arrests and seizures
A man and woman, both 33, were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity, along with a man and woman both aged 61. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and a 28-year-old man was held on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. A 78-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen property.
A GMP spokesperson said: "All remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing. Across the multiple properties were three cannabis farms comprising dozens of plants, growing equipment, and sophisticated set-ups."
Police response
Other items recovered included significant quantities of cash, Class A drugs, and a suspected stolen vehicle. The action was described as a significant day of work in the wider area, in response to issues in Heywood, Middleton and beyond.
Inspector Graham Cooke said the strikes had 'been a long-time coming'. He added: "Dozens of officers have assisted in the work today, putting a firm stamp on organised crime groups who terrorise and disrupt communities across our areas. This is the exact sort of work that we know people want to see I am glad we have secured multiple arrests and drug seizures."
Cooke said officers would now look to start putting together files for the Crown Prosecution Service where possible, while continuing work to tackle crime wherever it is found.
