TWO men arrested after officers uncovered a sophisticated cannabis set-up with an estimated street value of up to £120,000 have now been charged.

The men, aged 21 and 22 were charged overnight with being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, and have been remanded to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Thursday morning (today).

A warrant was executed at a property on Bank Parade in Burnley on Wednesday morning following tip-offs from the public. 

Once inside, officers found around 170 cannabis plants in three rooms at the property with an estimated value of over £100,000. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

As well as cannabis, officers also found drug paraphernalia, extractor fans and evidence the electricity meter had been by-passed. There was also evidence of previous cannabis harvests and that people had been living and sleeping in the building.

Officers from the Burnley Neighbourhood Policing Team, including Neighbourhood Task Force Officers, Response Officers and Tactical Operations Officers were all present at the raid and worked together to find and dismantle the set-up. 

Sgt Phil Ellis, from the Burnley Neighbourhood Policing Team said ensuring the public continue to confide in they police was of key import to bring offenders to justice. 

He said: "his significant cannabis discovery and subsequent arrests came as a result of information from the public. I hope today’s activity shows that Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling organised criminal activity and acting on information and concerns that we receive from the public.

“We cannot disrupt these groups without the help of the public. Cannabis cultivation is a serious issue affecting the whole community.”

Ward councillor for the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, Shah Hussain, wanted to thank police for their hard work in locating and shutting down the cannabis farm.

He said: "It is a huge concern that this is going on to this scale in our areas. 
"I would urge the public to stay vigilant and to get in touch with the police if they ever see or smell something suspicious. 

"I'd like to thank the police and all of those involved with this investigation, for carrying out their work, finding those people and making the arrests.

"Hopefully they will now be bought to justice."