Hidden Danger: Cannabis Farms Plague Greater Manchester

Cannabis Farms in Rented Homes: A Growing Threat in Greater Manchester Greater Manchester, UK - Police are increasingly discovering cannabis farms hidden within rented properties across the region, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement and highlighting serious public safety concerns. The clandestine nature of these operations makes tracking down the organized crime gangs behind them incredibly difficult. A recent raid on one such property uncovered a sophisticated setup. "We found two rooms with cannabis," explained Greater Manchester Police Inspector Bree Lanyon. "Downstairs, just over 20 small plants, and upstairs, a drying room with a substantial amount of dried cannabis flowers already packaged into large plastic bags." One man was arrested at the scene. The illegal operations often involve dangerous modifications to the property's electrical system to avoid high electricity bills. Inspector Lanyon noted, "The electricity gets bypassed…it's not safe." This danger was tragically illustrated by the death of seven-year-old Archie York in an explosion caused by chemicals in a cannabis factory last year. Detective Inspector Paul Crompton emphasized the significant financial rewards and the violence used by these criminal groups. The police are working to dismantle these operations and bring those responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of communities across Greater Manchester.