Arrest as £30,000 cannabis farm uncovered

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 02 June 2009

Police have carried out another successful drugs raid, uncovering a £30,000 cannabis farm.

Officers raided Watson Gardens, Shawclough, on Sunday (24 May), after reports of suspicious activity at the address.

The house was searched and about 60 plants were found in a bedroom.

Less than two weeks ago, officers raided a derelict building on Manchester Road, Castleton, and found a sophisticated cannabis farm.

This follows on from a series of successful raids, including the discovery of 500 plants at a disused Spotland Bridge warehouse on 2 December last year.

Police Constable Gabriel Gibson of Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This is another good example of the local community taking exception to people trying to cash in on the sale and use of illegal drugs.

"The plants recovered were very large and the set-up was well ventilated to disguise any aromas."

Police Constable Lee Stanton said: "Over the last 12 months the Rochdale Neighbourhood Policing Teams have prevented over a million pounds worth of cannabis reaching the streets and many of the seizures have been as a result of community information."

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and has been bailed until 9 August 2009 pending further inquiries.

If anyone has any information about the illegal sale or use of drugs in the Rochdale area or information about any crime please call the NPT on 0161 856 8523 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.