10 men have been arrested after police busted a huge cannabis inside an “unassuming row of terraced houses” in Tameside.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that, in the early hours of yesterday morning (19 June), officers from the Tameside district lined-up in front of properties across Whitacre Road and Curzon Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, all ready to “smash through the doors” after being supported by Home Office Immigration Enforcement in executing six simultaneous warrants to do so.
Behind the doors of the “unassuming row of terraced houses”, police discovered over 400 cannabis plants, and went on two make a series of arrests.
10 arrested after police bust ‘unassuming’ cannabis farm with hundreds of plants in Tameside / Credit: GMP
A total of 10 men, all between the ages of 22 and 44, were arrested – with three on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, money laundering, and immigration offences, three on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis, and one on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and possession of class A and B drugs.
One man was also arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, abstracting electricity, and immigration offences, while the final two men were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
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Each of the arrested men remain in police custody for questioning.
Thanks to the joint work of Immigration Enforcement and @gmpolice 10 arrests have been made shutting down two cannabis farms.
Our teams are working 24/7 to disrupt criminal networks and bring to justice those exploiting our laws and borders. pic.twitter.com/00JmQBEcz8
“We understand the public have varying views on cannabis,” explained Chief Inspector Claire Galt of GMP Tameside’s district after the raids.
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“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.
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“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.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
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TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2023 
