Large-scale cannabis farm found in Bury after police chase suspect
Greater Manchester Police said they were "lucky" to stumble across the farm
Greater Manchester Police have uncovered a major cannabis farm after chasing a suspect through Bury.
Officers were granted a warrant to raid a mill on Milltown Street in Radcliffe at 8am on Friday morning (January 31st).
After the warrant was carried out, the force discovered a major cannabis farm on the premises, confirming their suspicions.
However, this was not the first time that the mill had come under suspicion, after officers had chased a suspect through the mill and around the surrounding land on previous occasions.
Amid the chase, drone technology had been used to try and locate the suspect, when suspicious looking items were spotted through the windows of the mill, which resulted in the warrant being issued.
In total, 658 plants were found in the mill, together with six vacuum packed bags ready to sell the dried products into the community.
Speaking on the operation, Inspector Gareth Edwards from Greater Manchester Police 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.”
Meanwhile, an appeal for information has been launched, with anyone who may have any relevant information regarding the find being urged to get in touch.
Those who may be able to help in the investigation is being asked to call 101 and quote incident reference number 462 from January 31st.