TEN PEOPLE have been arrested after police raided homes in Ashton-under-Lyne and found hundreds of cannabis plants.
Dawn swoops on six properties on Whiteacre Road and Curzon Road uncovered a sophisticated operation.
As well as officers from Greater Manchester Police, Home Office Immigration Enforcement officials also took part as more than 400 cannabis plants were found.
In the early hours of Monday, June 19, an unassuming row of terraced houses, heavily guarded by CCTV, found itself at the centre of dramatic action.
And a total of 10 men, aged between 22 and 44-years-old, have been taken in for questioning.
Three were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, money laundering, and immigration offences.
Another trio were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis.
One was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and possession of class A and B drugs.
Another was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, abstracting electricity, and immigration offences
And two more were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Chief Inspector Claire Galt, of GMP’s 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.”
Tony Hilton, assistant director for the Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigation unit, added: “This is an excellent result and I commend the hard work of all officers involved.
“We are committed to working closely with our policing partners to disrupt criminal networks and bring to justice those who are exploiting and abusing our laws and borders.”
