Police uncover £3 million cannabis farm after raiding former shop

The plants are thought to be worth around £3 million. Credit: Lancashire Police

Police in Lancashire have seized one of their largest drugs finds after raiding a former shop in Fleetwood.

They found nearly 1700 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of more than £3 million.

Police were called to reports a drugs set-up had been found at the former Store Twenty One store. Credit: Lancashire Police

Two men, both believed to be from Vietnam, detained at the scene. They were later identified as victims of modern slavery and released into safe accommodation.

The factory has been dismantled with support from Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Electricity North West.

The drugs seized will be destroyed. Credit: Lancashire Police

Officers described the operation - which was spread over two floors - as "particularly significant".

Lancashire Police have reminded the public of the signs which can imply a property is being used as a drugs factory.

They include:

  • screened-off windows

  • unusual amounts of heat emanating from a property

  • signs of bypassing electricity meters

  • strange smells or sounds

  • people acting suspiciously or behaving unusually close to the building