Cannabis farms discovered at two derelict pubs

Two derelict pubs converted into huge cannabis farms have been uncovered by police in just three days.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and abstracting electricity in connection with one of them, Greater Manchester Police revealed today.

Police first swooped on the Bull's Head on Knowl Street, Stalybridge, Tameside, on Wednesday after being alerted by a utility worker, said a force spokesman. Inside, more than 200 plants were recovered and taken away.

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Then today, Friday, another 200 plants were found inside the former Woodman Inn on Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, revealed GMP. The man remained in custody for questioning on Friday afternoon in connection with that seizure, the force added.

In relation to the Bull's Head on Knowl Street, no arrests have been made and an investigation is continuing.

But the GMP spokesman added: "However, a 37-year-old man is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and abstraction of electricity after a second farm was found in three days.

"He remains in custody for questioning after officers found around another 200 plants in the former Woodman Inn on Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, today - May 26."

Sgt Rob Froggatt, of GMP's Ashton-under-Lyne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Plants and production equipment have been removed from both locations for further examination.

"GMP officers discovered the cannabis farm in the Woodman Inn after intelligence provided anonymously through Crimestoppers."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or GMP via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

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