£1m cannabis farm dismantled by GMP officers in Heywood raid

Saturday, 13 December 2025 12:47

By David Murphy

A man has been arrested after officers uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm in the centre of Heywood, with a potential street value of £1 million.

Greater Manchester Police’s Heywood Neighbourhood Team carried out a warrant early on Thursday 12 December, targeting a premises suspected of housing an illegal grow.

Inside, officers found approximately 2,200 cannabis plants across a highly organised setup. The plants were being watered when police entered, and a 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis. He remains in custody for questioning.

The raid followed intelligence gathered from local residents and is part of GMP’s wider ‘Winter of Action’ campaign, a Home Office-backed initiative focused on tackling criminal activity during the festive season.

Sergeant Hannah Taala from the Heywood Neighbourhood Team praised the outcome, calling it “a fantastic find” for officers and the community.

“While some people may not associate harm with cannabis, its cultivation and supply are linked to exploitation, gang-related violence, and anti-social behaviour,” said Sgt Taala.

“We often receive complaints from residents about public cannabis use, as well as the intimidation that can come with it. Our job is to remove these threats and support those affected.”

The setup, which included specialist lighting and irrigation systems, has now been dismantled. Officers will continue working to identify others potentially involved in the operation.

Police are urging anyone with information about similar activity in their area to come forward. The Heywood team said it will maintain a visible presence throughout the festive period to reassure residents and prevent further criminality.