Man arrested after huge cannabis farm discovered in Royton

A man has been arrested after a large-scale cannabis farm worth over £1 million was discovered in Royton.

Police uncovered multiple rooms containing an estimated 3,000 plants - worth an estimated street value of £1.2 million - after forcing entry to a building on Shaw Road at around 10.15pm last night (Friday 24 July). 

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.

Inspector Anthony Allt, of GMP’s Oldham District, said: “This is a positive result for the people of Oldham. Cannabis farms – particularly of this scale – are operated by organised criminals, who use the profits from such grows to further their criminality. 

“Last night’s operation has disrupted a source of their funding and will therefore help to reduce the power gangs seek to exert.

“It once again demonstrates the importance of the public working alongside the police to disrupt drugs supply."

He went on: “If police and the wider Oldham community continue to work together, we can help eliminate drugs from our streets and reduce the risk of vulnerable people being drawn into criminality.

"If you believe that drugs are being sold in your community, or believe a child or vulnerable adult to be at risk criminal exploitation linked to drugs gangs, then please contact police immediately." 

Call police on 101 or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.