Mantas Piparas, 36, gave himself up as police forced their way into the former Aspers Casino in Commercial Street, Northampton.[1] He was the only person arrested when officers raided the building at 9am on October 30, 2025.[1] He was later charged with producing cannabis.[2] He pleaded guilty to producing cannabis on December 12, 2025.[3] Northampton Crown Court sentenced him on February 13.[3] He received three years and nine months in prison and was ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.[3] The judge ordered the cannabis and production equipment to be forfeited and destroyed.[3]

Officers found just under 8,000 cannabis plants across three floors of the former casino.[1][4] The plants were at different stages of growth in a vast and highly organised operation.[1] Police valued the grow at up to £3.2 million.[1] The raid followed intelligence from members of the public.[2] The building had been heavily secured, with doors bricked up and rooms reinforced with steel.[2] Officers used chainsaws and specialist equipment to gain entry.[2][4]

Police said a production on this scale involved a lot of organisation and there would be an organised crime group behind it.[1] No further arrests or charges have been made.[2][1] In October 2026 police said the investigation had been closed, although it could be reopened if new evidence came to light.[2][5]

A year after the raid, the 42,216 sq ft former casino site was put on the market, with agents saying it could become a hotel, offices, shops, flats or student accommodation.[4][6]