Large cannabis farm found in disused building

Hundreds of plants were found at various stages of growth

A large cannabis farm has been found in a disused building in Congleton town centre, police have said.

Officers went to the building in West Street, following reports of suspicious activity, and found it had been converted into a “sophisticated” cannabis farm, with hundreds of plants at various stages of growth.

Police were still at the scene and recovery work was under way, Insp Jim Adams from Cheshire Constabulary’s Congleton beat team said.

He said a significant quantity of cannabis had been removed from streets in the town and further afield.

The building had specialist lighting and ventilation systems to maximise the amount of the Class B drug that was being cultivated, Insp Adams said.

The plants will all be destroyed.

“While no arrests have been made at this time, people have been living in the premises and as part of our investigation we’re keen to hear from any local residents who believe they may have seen anything suspicious,” he said.

“The same goes for anyone with any CCTV footage which may aid the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force.