Police's second successful Wigan drug farm raid within days

Pots of cannabis plants crammed into the room

Wigan police are celebrating their second cannabis farm bust in a week.

Again around 250 plants plus growing equipment were seized and again they were from an address in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Photographs released by GMP Wigan West from the property on Bolton Road show pots crammed closely together in a room whose windows were covered by sheeting and the usual array of hydroponic lighting and heating equipment required to aid the drug's quick growth.

Officers later announced that a 22-year-old Albanian national, Beslind Haxhias, of no fixed address, had been and charged with production of a controlled drug of class B and remanded into custody.

The familiar hydroponic lighting and heating equipment was also seized

The execution of a warrant on Wednesday this week follows a near identical seizure at an address in Orchard Street, Ashton, on July 29.

A GMP Wigan West spokesperson said: "Officers have discovered a cannabis farm today on Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield. 250 plants have been seized. Great work from our Neighbourhood Team!"

Police often rely on tip-offs from the public to identify cannabis farms.

And there are several things to look out for if you suspect a building in your neighbourhood might contain one:

l Strong, sickly smells;

l Windows constantly covered with panelling or sheeting;

l Excessive security;

l High levels of condensation on the property's windows even when it’s not winter;

l Frequent and varied visitors to a property;

l Bright lighting coming from premises at all times of the day and night;

l The constant noise of a fan, at all times of the day or night, it could be acting as ventilation for the cannabis grow.

If you have any suspicions about a home or other premises in your neighbourhood contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.