On a quiet Thursday afternoon in Cheadle Hulme, police executed a search warrant at a property after receiving an anonymous tip-off about potential drug activity.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) deployed a drone over the residential cul-de-sac to locate their target, spotting unusual heat patterns indicative of cannabis cultivation.

Upon arriving at the scene, GMP officers used a battering ram to breach the front door and encountered another barricaded entry. After removing this barrier with a crowbar, they discovered a concealed entrance behind a plastic sheet, leading to a small opening within the staircase.

Inside, police uncovered a significant cannabis operation. Across multiple rooms, they found cannabis plants with a street value estimated at nearly £300,000.

The building showed signs of significant internal modifications to facilitate cannabis production, including alterations to the electricity supply and the installation of screens for plant insulation.

At the time of the raid, the cannabis plants were at an advanced stage of growth, with an officer estimating they could be ready for sale within two months.

GMP reported that the operation yielded a large amount of equipment, with several rooms filled with cannabis plants, lamps, fans, and other electrical apparatus. However, no arrests were made as no individuals were present during the police action.

A spokesperson for GMP stated: "Intelligence was submitted to us via the public that a possible cannabis farm was being operated in Cheadle Hulme." They utilized their specialist drone unit to identify the suspicious signs that led to the search warrant.

This raid was part of Operation Avro, a coordinated effort across Stockport and South Manchester, which has resulted in 40 arrests for various offences and included community engagement initiatives in the area.