POLICE have smashed what could be the largest cannabis growing operation in Bolton — and arrested the suspect after finding him hiding amongst the plants.

Officers discovered a cannabis farm worth more than £204,000 after raiding a property in Vincent Street, off Spa Road, Bolton.

Three rooms upstairs in the terrraced house were being used to grow the drug using sophisticated equipment.

A total of 256 plants were seized by police.

The electricity meter in the property had also been bypassed.

Police hailed the operation as a huge success.

PC Graeme Sharp, from Bolton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The operation was carried out as a result of patrolling the area and we noticed a very strong smell.

“We are very pleased with the operation and a man is now in custody.

“We have been carrying out this sort of operation for six or seven months now and this could potentially be the biggest cannabis farm we have discovered.”

PC Sharp urged people to contact police if they are concerned or have suspicions about cannabis farms in their area.

The cultivation of cannabis farms is increasing as drugs are becoming harder to smuggle across borders, police said.

PC Sharp said: “Whatever people’s view on cannabis, they should realise those growing cannabis farms will often bypass electricity, which is dangerous and can cause fires which can spread to houses.”

It is estimated that the farm would have produced an income of about £825,000 per year. Residents said they were shocked to hear that cannabis was being grown in their quiet street. One woman said: “I am shocked, I have no idea who lives in the property.

“I am glad the police have taken action, this is a quiet area and nothing like this ever happens around here.”

In May police from discovered more than 200 cannabis plants which would have which would have resulted in a turnover of £400,000 a year in Woodfield Street Road Great Lever.

Last month a £70,000 cannabis farm was discovered in a house in Pansy Road, Farnworth.