Police have seized a ‘record-breaking’ £24million haul of cannabis after raiding a rural farm.

Officers executed a warrant at Leigh Tenement Farm in Blackrod, Bolton, on 9 January, uncovering what is believed to be one of the largest single cannabis seizures ever made in the UK.

Inside the unit, officers discovered an estimated two tonnes of cannabis, with a street value of around £24million.

Two men, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug offences and remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said officers had uncovered a ‘large-scale and sophisticated illegal operation’.

He said: ‘Our officers uncovered a large-scale and sophisticated illegal operation at the location, housing a significant volume of illegal drugs.

‘This seizure marks a major success for our officers – it removes a major source of harm, disrupts criminal networks and helps make neighbourhoods safer.

‘Our work demonstrates the ongoing commitment to targeting large-scale drug production and distribution and is key in safeguarding vulnerable people.

‘It sends a clear message that this kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated and our officers will work hard to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.’

Police believe the scale of the operation highlights the increasing sophistication of organised drug gangs using rural and industrial locations to grow and distribute cannabis on an industrial level.

The investigation remains ongoing.