Raid finds £100,000 drugs farm
Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date published: 22 September 2009
POLICE have uncovered a huge cannabis farm in a Royton house containing 400 plants worth £100,000.
Nearly every room of the three-bedroom property in Rochdale Road, just past Oozewood Road, was filled with potent skunk cannabis.
It was discovered after an 18-year-old Royton man was stopped in a black VW Golf in Shaw during a check at 4.20pm on Sunday.
He was searched by officers and found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis and cash and arrested on suspicion of intent to supply cannabis.
It led police to raid the Royton house less than two hours later where the plants and growing equipment was found.
Sgt Rob Howarth, from the operational support unit, said: “Officers found a full-blown cannabis factory with approximately 400 plants growing throughout the house and the usual growing equipment.
“The 18-year-old arrested is still in custody being questioned by detectives.”
From the outside it was clear that windows had been blacked out and were covered in condensation, and there was a strong smell of cannabis.
Inside were heat lamps, an irrigation system and the electrical supply had been tampered with. There was evidence that someone had been sleeping and cooking in the house.
Sgt Howarth added: “There was a strong smell of cannabis upon officers arriving and I would be interested in any information from the local community.”
The raid is the latest success for the unit in detecting cannabis farms in Oldham, which have been uncovered in houses, shops and even a pub, but officers say this has displaced them to other areas of the borough.
They also warn that cannabis is much more potent than it used to be.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 9014 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.
