Police in Leigh were shocked to uncover a huge cannabis farm and an imitation firearm during early-morning raids this week.
After officers from the Wigan organised crime team managed to execute warrants at two addresses, a series of raids were carried out in the Greater Manchester town of Leigh during the early hours of the morning yesterday (19 December).
During the raids, a “large” cannabis farm was discovered, as was around £6,000 in cash – which was seized by officers, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.
On top of this, one of the more shocking discoveries during the raids was an imitation firearm.
Following the raids this week, GMP has confirmed that two men aged 21 and 24 have been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and possession of an imitation firearm, while another 29-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis.
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All three men currently remain in police custody for questioning.
Speaking on these successful early-morning raids, Detective Inspector Pat Wood, who leads the districts ‘Challenger’ team, commented: “The perception that the cultivation of cannabis is victimless couldn’t be further from the truth, as drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime gangs, and funds other elements of serious crime such as firearms and modern slavery.
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“It’s for that reason that warrants and arrests relating to cannabis farms have a disruptive impact on organised criminal activity in the area.
A huge cannabis farm and an ‘imitation’ firearm have been uncovered during early-morning raids in Leigh / Credit: GMP
“We will continue to pursue these types of offenders and remove them from our streets.
DI Wood also assured that the the intelligence gathered by police today will enable GMP to “build up a greater picture of the illegal activity happening across Wigan and Leigh”, and it will contribute to “future operational activity” too.
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Following the raids this week, GMP is continuing to appeal to the public that if they suspect someone is illegally supplying drugs or illicit substances in your community, then they should report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th December 2023 
