In a landmark operation, police have confiscated a staggering haul of cannabis valued at approximately £24 million from a rural farm in Bolton. The seizure, believed to be one of the largest single finds of its kind in UK history, marks a significant blow to organised criminal networks.
Major Raid Uncovers Sophisticated Operation
On 9 January, officers from Greater Manchester Police executed a warrant at Leigh Tenement Farm in Blackrod, Bolton. What they discovered inside was a vast, industrial-scale cannabis cultivation site. The force estimates that around two tonnes of the illegal drug were found stored within the unit, with an estimated street value of £24 million.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, from GMP's Serious Crime Division, described the find as a "large-scale and sophisticated illegal operation." He emphasised that the raid successfully removed a major source of harm from communities and disrupted the activities of a significant criminal enterprise.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
During the operation, two men, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug offences. Both individuals remain in police custody for questioning as the investigation continues. The scale of the setup indicates a high level of planning and investment, characteristic of modern organised crime groups.
Police experts suggest this case highlights a growing trend where criminal gangs exploit secluded rural locations and industrial units to establish extensive drug production facilities. These operations are designed to evade detection while distributing cannabis on an industrial level.
A Clear Message to Criminal Networks
Detective Superintendent Harrop stated that the seizure represents a major success for law enforcement. "This seizure marks a major success for our officers - it removes a major source of harm, disrupts criminal networks and helps make neighbourhoods safer," he said.
He further added that the operation demonstrates GMP's ongoing commitment to targeting large-scale drug production and distribution, which is key to safeguarding vulnerable people often exploited by such networks. "It sends a clear message that this kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated and our officers will work hard to ensure those responsible are brought to justice," Harrop concluded.
The investigation at Leigh Tenement Farm remains active, with officers pursuing further lines of enquiry to dismantle the wider network behind this record-breaking cannabis haul.
