Eleven men charged in cannabis farms investigation

Police forces searched 14 properties in northern England on Thursday

Eleven men have been charged as part of an investigation into cannabis farms in northern England.

Police forces searched 14 properties in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Stockton-on-Tees on Thursday.

They found cash, vehicles, machinery and luxury items in the raids.

Ten men were charged with conspiracy to produce a controlled drug, and another was charged with assisting an organised crime group and theft by employee.

They were remanded in custody and were due to appear before magistrates in Liverpool earlier.

The investigation was led by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.