‘Huge’ cannabis farm found in former police station

A cannabis farm that housed more than 1,000 plants has been found in an old police station in Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police made the discovery at the former Failsworth Police Station, which was closed six years ago.

Police said they believe the plants had been removed from the “huge” cannabis farm early on Wednesday morning, just hours before they entered it.

Root balls, soil, empty pots and light sources were all that remained in the building, which was once home to the Failsworth and Hollinwood Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Police said in a Facebook post: “The building was vacated by the Police 6 years ago as part of the cuts to the Police budget and not used by us since.

“It was sold at auction a short time later. The building has been privately owned ever since.

“It was a bit surreal though seeing the old Inspector’s office full of root balls and empty pots.”

Police said other items at the scene suggested those growing the class B drug had been sleeping there – and the property’s electricity meter had been bypassed.

GMP said some of the growing items used on the farm were donated to a local growing hub at Earls Lodge.