Congleton Local Policing Unit shut down a cannabis farm at an empty business premises in Middlewich.[1][2] On 4 November officers executed a warrant at the address in Newton Bank after receiving information that drugs were being grown there.[1][2][3] Officers were seen at an abandoned building on Newton Bank during the day on Wednesday, November 4.[4][5][6] As a result of the raid police seized a large number of cannabis plants at the commercial premises.[4][5][6]

Once inside, officers found a substantial cannabis grow and began removing it with the cultivation equipment.[1][2][3] PC Adam Archer said the premises was capable of producing about 70kg of cannabis per year.[4][5][6][2][3] Police put the potential street value of that yearly output at over 800,000 pounds.[1][5][3] Archer said the operation was one of many intended to stop illegal drugs reaching the community through warrants, targeting dealers and closing houses used to deal drugs.[1][6][2]

Police also appealed for information about other cannabis farms.[4][5][6] Police asked people to report a suspected cannabis farm or other drug offence by calling 101 or giving details online.[1][6][2]

Police listed strong smells, unusual activity at odd hours and excessive heat or condensation as signs a property may be used as a cannabis farm.[2]