More than 1,500 cannabis plants seized in Blackburn after two farms uncovered
Police have recovered more than 1,500 cannabis plants after uncovering two large-scale cannabis farms in Blackburn on the same day.
A 36-year-old man from Preston and a 44-year-old man from Blackburn were arrested at the scene and have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Several stolen vehicles were also seized during the operation.
Officers from the Blackburn with Darwen Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by the local Task Force, executed a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at Wellington Mill, Sharples Street, on Wednesday 14 January 2026 following local intelligence.
Inside the building, officers discovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation spread across two floors containing 1,125 plants, along with cash, weapons and drug paraphernalia.
During a wider search, a number of stolen vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, Surron bikes and vehicle parts were also recovered.
The items were confirmed stolen from across East Lancashire and other areas.
Later that day, officers responded to reports of suspicious activity at an address on Preston New Road, where members of the public had seen three men leaving an abandoned property with large bags believed to contain cannabis.
Officers located a second cannabis farm containing 407 plants.
A 35-year-old man from Rochdale was arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation, burglary, and abstracting electricity and has been bailed while investigations continue.
Inspector Tony Ashworth said: “The discovery of these two cannabis farms reveals the scale and seriousness of this criminal activity in our communities, the impact of which cannot be understated.
“Cannabis cultivation can have strong links to organised crime and modern slavery, and it is absolutely unacceptable and not something we want in Lancashire.
“We will continue to target those involved in the production of illegal drugs and the handling of stolen property and we urge the public to keep reporting information to us.”
The investigation forms part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
If anyone has any information, contact 101 or you can report online here: https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/