600 cannabis plants seized in dawn raid
... and aftermath of house blaze reveals drug farm remains
POLICE swooped to seize a huge cannabis farm packed with more than 600 plants in a dawn raid.
A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation after a drugs warrant was executed at an address in Offerton, Stockport, at 6am on Friday.
Greater Manchester Police said he remained in custody for questioning on Friday afternoon.
The force said around 610 plants were seized in total, with the raid coming as a result of information passed on to police from the community.
In a statement, GMP said: “At around 6am today (Friday 26 May 2023) officers from the Hazel Grove Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant at an address on Hollymount Road, Stockport.
“A large quantity of cannabis plants, approximately 610 plants, were located inside the property and have been seized by officers.
“A man, aged 27, was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.
“This action was taken following information provided by Stockport District Intelligence Unit with information submitted from the community. Anyone with information about criminal activity in your area should call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency
“Details can also be passed via our LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
No further details have been revealed.
●●The remnants of a cannabis farm were found at a house in Stockport which was engulfed by a fire. A blaze broke out at the terraced property on Atherton Street in Edgeley at around 11am last Saturday (May, 20).
The road was cordoned of and two neighbouring houses were evacuated as fire crews tackled the flames. They spent two and a half hours extinguishing the blaze before handing the incident over to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
After firefighters left the scene, the property remained taped off by police with an officer standing guard outside.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has now confirmed that ‘evidence of a cannabis farm was found’ at the property. The Manchester Evening
News understands however that there only a few leaves remained when police inspected the building.
No arrests have been made, GMP have confirmed. The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said afterwards: “At around 11am this morning (Saturday, 20th May), firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a property on Atherton
Street in Stockport.
“Three fire engines from Stockport, Cheadle and Offerton fire stations quickly attended the scene. Firefighters used two hose reels and a 13.5 metre ladder to extinguish a fire in the bedroom of the property.
Two neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters ensured the building was safe before handing over to colleagues at Greater Manchester Police. Crews were at the scene for around.”