Police have uncovered a huge cannabis farm containing more than 1,500 plants inside a former church in Nelson, Lancashire. Officers from Lancashire Police’s Pendle Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by Immediate Response officers, discovered the sophisticated growing operation inside the deconsecrated St Mary’s Church on Manchester Road. Police said suspicions were raised after officers noticed conspicuous pipes running into the building. When officers entered the former church, they discovered cannabis plants spread across several rooms and at different stages of growth.
Suspect allegedly tries to escape through window
One man was inside the building when police arrived and allegedly attempted to make his escape through a window. However, police said the suspect had “failed to consider the impact the drop might have on his running ability”. Officers detained the man shortly afterwards and he was arrested. He remains in police custody awaiting questioning.
More than 1,500 cannabis plants seized
A search of the former place of worship revealed more than 1,500 cannabis plants, which have now been seized by officers. Police spent the morning dismantling the extensive cultivation operation and removing the plants from the building. Large-scale cannabis farms frequently require significant modifications to properties, including lighting, ventilation and electrical equipment to maintain growing conditions.
Police warn of wider criminality
Lancashire Police stressed that large-scale cannabis cultivation should not be viewed simply as the production of plants. Officers warned such operations can be connected to serious organised criminality, including exploitation, human trafficking and violence. Police also highlighted the dangers posed by criminals who target cannabis farms to steal drugs or money, sometimes using weapons. The force said the discovery demonstrated the wider risks associated with large-scale illegal drug production. Anyone with information about drug production or other criminal activity in their community can contact police on 101, or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
