Cannabis farm discovered in Rossendale luxury house (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Cannabis farm discovered in Rossendale luxury house

9:35am Thursday 22nd November 2012 in News By David Watkinson, Deputy news editor

A SUSPECTED cannabis factory with £160,000 worth of the drug has been uncovered at a luxury house in Rossendale.

Detectives in the valley raided the £745,000 property, off Oakenshaw Avenue, Whitworth, early on Tuesday.

And inside the detached property, which has seven bedrooms, 400 plants were found growing across various rooms.

Sophisicated hydroponic growing systems, including high-powered lighting and electric fans, were also uncovered by investigators.

Forensic experts from Lancashire Constabulary are now examining the haul, after an extended operation was mounted beforehand.

Det Sgt Tony Atkins, of Pennine CID, said: “This was clearly a sophisticated and lucrative cannabis set-up. The plants were all different sizes and were spread out throughout the property.

“It’s fairly unusual for us to find such a large cannabis factory in a property of this type and size.

“I’m confident this will have a significant impact on the supply of cannabis in East Lancashire.

“We know the devastating impact drugs can have on our communities and we are determined to do everything we can to remove them from our streets.”

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis, in the wake of the find. Last night police confirmed he had been released on police bail until next February, pending further enquiries.

Police said that anyone with information or concerns about cannabis can contact police on 101 or on thee anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.