Multiple Cannabis Farms Discovered in Northern England Following Fires, Raids

Police across multiple regions in the UK have uncovered several large, sophisticated cannabis farms often linked to serious and violent organized crime. In Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire, officers found 53 fully grown cannabis plants worth approximately £53,000 after responding to burglary reports, with electricity illegally bypassed to power the growing equipment. A two-floor cannabis farm was discovered in Freckleton, Lancashire, following a drugs warrant based on community intelligence, though no suspects were present at the time. In Wallasey, Merseyside, a house fire led to the discovery of a cannabis farm with about 170 plants seized, with up to four growing rooms destroyed by the fire; the fire highlighted the dangers of illegal electricity use in such operations, posing risks of fire and flooding. Authorities emphasized the significant harm caused by organized crime involved in cannabis cultivation, urging the public to report suspicious activity to help protect communities and prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Investigations are ongoing in all cases to locate and prosecute those responsible.