A dawn raid in Manchester has exposed a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation containing up to 300 plants with an estimated street value of £175,000.
Greater Manchester Police conducted the operation on Rosford Avenue in Moss Side on 23rd October after receiving intelligence about suspected drug production at the residential property.
Neighbourhood officers forced entry into the address and discovered between 250 and 300 cannabis plants growing inside what authorities described as a “sophisticated setup” designed for industrial-scale drug production.
Further inspection revealed criminals had bypassed the electricity supply to power the illegal operation, a common tactic used by organised crime groups to avoid detection through unusually high energy consumption. Such electrical tampering poses serious fire risks to neighbouring properties and residents.
Manhunt for Known Criminal
Following the seizure, Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are now attempting to locate a suspect who is already known to officers, suggesting the individual may have previous involvement in drug-related criminality.
A spokesperson for GMP said: “On Thursday 23rd October 2025, neighbourhood officers in City of Manchester conducted a warrant on Rosford Avenue, Moss Side, in relation to a suspected cannabis farm.”
Following intelligence received, along with additional enquiries, officers from the Moss Side neighbourhood policing team supported by colleagues from the neighbourhood tasking team, forced entry and found a haul of 250 to 300 plants which has a street value of £175,000.
The spokesperson added: “Further detailed inspection found the electricity supply had been bypassed too as part of a sophisticated setup. An investigation is ongoing to locate the suspect who is known to our officers, whilst the haul will be dismantled, seized and destroyed.”
Links to Organised Crime
PC Francesca Hooley from City of Manchester Central District Intelligence Unit emphasised the operation demonstrates police commitment to acting on community intelligence to disrupt criminal networks.
“This is a prime example of officers acting on information to keep our community safe,” PC Hooley said.
She warned that drug supply operations have consequences extending far beyond simple possession offences.
We know drugs supply has a devastating impact and far-reaching consequences across Greater Manchester, and we are determined to continue this approach to disrupting criminal activity which is often linked to more serious organised crime.
Cannabis farms are frequently operated by organised crime groups who exploit vulnerable individuals, sometimes including trafficking victims or illegal immigrants, to tend the crops whilst avoiding direct exposure to prosecution themselves.
Community Intelligence Praised
PC Hooley praised residents who provided the tip-off that led to the discovery, encouraging more people to come forward with information about suspected criminal activity.
“If our communities tell us about criminality, we will endeavour to act on this and seek to impact on the activities of those who wish to exploit the community,” she stated.
The officer urged anyone with information about drug production or supply to contact authorities through multiple channels.
“You can continue to report any information to ourselves by calling 101 or through our Live Chat function at gmp.police.uk, or alternatively speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.”
Growing Problem Across Manchester
Cannabis farms have become increasingly common in residential areas across Greater Manchester, with criminal groups converting houses, commercial units and even shipping containers into cultivation facilities.
The operations typically involve elaborate ventilation systems, powerful growing lights and complex watering arrangements that can cause structural damage to properties through moisture and mould.
Electricity suppliers regularly assist police in identifying potential cannabis farms through analysis of unusual consumption patterns, though sophisticated criminals attempt to circumvent detection by stealing power directly from the grid.
The fire service has repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by illegal electrical connections and high-powered lighting equipment installed by criminals with no regard for safety regulations.
Moss Side has historically struggled with drug-related crime, though sustained police operations in recent years have targeted organised gangs operating in the area.
Local councillors have welcomed the latest seizure but stressed the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to prevent properties being exploited for criminal purposes.
The £175,000 street value calculation is based on standard police methodology that estimates the potential retail price if the harvested cannabis were divided into small quantities and sold to users.
All seized plants will be destroyed following standard evidence collection procedures, with samples retained for any potential prosecution.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify everyone involved in establishing and operating the illegal cultivation facility.
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