Five men have been arrested after a large-scale cannabis farm was discovered in a vacant mill in Rochdale.
Police discovered around 5,000 suspected cannabis plants on Mitchell Hey Mill, College Road, after an Electricity North West engineer found a false wall inside a sub-station.
The plants were found in around 20 rooms inside the building when officers attended at about 12.30pm on Tuesday 27 April.
The plants will be sent off for analysis.
Five men remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.
Detective Inspector Matthew Hamer, from GMP's Rochdale CID, said: "This is a significant find and takes a substantial quantity of drugs off the street.
"We appeal anyone who has information or saw anything suspicious to call police on 0161 856 8576, quoting 1258 of 27/04/21."
Electricity North West declined to comment.
Neighbouring residents said the building was occupied by a textile company making bedding products until it closed about a year ago.
One man spoke of widespread drug dealing and use in the area.
He said: "It's taking place everywhere round here. It's out of control, we tell the police, but they seem powerless to do anything."
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Greater Manchester Police website, www.gmp.police.uk.
