A raid on a disused pub by Greater Manchester Police this morning (30 November) saw officers seize roughly £350,000 worth of cannabis plants.
More than 600 plants were found at the Church Pub in Stalybridge, as well as a sign remaining from when the pub was still active that ironically stated 'a zero drugs policy on these premises'.
Two men who had been inside the property and attempted to flee were also arrested by police. Both have now been taken into custody for questioning.
Between 600 and 700 cannabis plants were discovered across three floors, including the basement, with bin bags used to seal off makeshift designated rooms for plants at different stages of cultivation. The old pub also had an intricate web of ventilation pipes and lighting running through it.
A large police presence was present at the scene, with officers from Ashton Police Station and the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) joining up to execute a warrant at the pub following reports from locals that a cannabis smell had been coming from the property on Wakefield Road.
The TAU entered the building by cutting through through a steel roller door, which caused the two men who were eventually arrested to attempt to make an escape from the scene.
Chief Inspector Claire Galt of Neighbourhoods and Partnerships in Tameside who led the operation said: "I would personally like to thank the local community for coming forwards and making us aware of their concerns surrounding The Church pub.
"We are extremely pleased that this cannabis will not find its way onto the streets of Stalybridge or the wider community.
"The 600/700 plants, worth approximately £350k, will now be dismantled by the neighbourhood team, for everything to be taken into evidence.
"We would not have been able to achieve this without the help of the Tameside people and we want to let them know that we will always listen to them and act whenever appropriate.
"If you have any information regarding criminality in the Tameside area, then please dial 101 or contact the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111."
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