News
Huge cannabis farm and ‘imitation’ firearm uncovered during early-morning raids in Leigh
Police also seized a whopping £6,000 in cash too.
Emily Sergeant -
20th December 2023 
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.
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.
“It’s for that reason that warrants and arrests relating to cannabis farms have a disruptive impact on organised criminal activity in the area.
“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.
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.
Read more:
- Possession and recreational use of ‘laughing gas’ is now illegal in the UK
- 10 arrested after police bust ‘unassuming’ cannabis farm with hundreds of plants in Tameside
- Gigantic empty Debenhams store in Wigan to become ‘Britain’s biggest charity shop’
Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
