Ten men, between the ages of 22 and 44 have been arrested following an early morning raid by police across six properties on Whitacre and Curzon Road, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, money laundering, and immigration offences and three were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis.
One man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and possession of class A and B drugs,One man on suspicion of production of cannabis, abstracting electricity, and immigration offences and two men were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Chief Inspector Claire Galt of GMP Tameside district said:
“We understand the public have varying views on cannabis, but its cultivation, sale and distribution brings devastation to our communities in the form of violence and exploitation.
“The amount of energy required for a cannabis farm of this size mean the criminals bypass the electricity supply to avoid paying for it. This causes a significant fire hazard to those who are forced to live and work there, but also innocent members of the public in neighbouring properties are also put at risk because of these brazen and careless criminals.
“Every cannabis farm we destroy helps break the vicious cycle. The plants won’t end up on the street, the profits won’t go to fund other crime, and vulnerable people who are being taken advantage of by these gangs can be safeguarded.”
