A MAN has been arrested and charged a man after cannabis plants were seized in Newton-le-Willows. 

On Tuesday, May 14, at around 6.25pm, officers acting on intelligence attended an address on Rydal Street and located a cannabis grow across two rooms, with 68 plants, almost fully developed.

The police's specialist Cannabis Dismantling Team (CDT) searched the property, seized the items and the property was made safe.

A man from Newton-le-Willows was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis production.

Emestas Gudas, 32, of Rydal Street, Newton-le-Willows was charged with Cannabis production and remanded in custody to appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court this morning, Thursday 16 May.

Matt Brown, who heads up the CDT, said: "Every cannabis farm that we remove makes our communities safer places.

"We hear comments about cannabis being 'harmless' or 'just a bit of weed' but every ounce you buy has a negative effect in Merseyside, funding the operations of organised criminals who have no regard to the harm they cause.

"Information from those communities affected is vital in dismantling these farms, which we know from experience bring the risk of flood, fire and violent crime to the doors of those unfortunate enough to live nearby.

"Come forward directly to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers and we will keep taking action to make your area a safer place to live, work and visit."

Information can be passed on via @MerPolCC on X, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.