Close to £16,000 was seized after a cannabis farm was found, police have said.

After raiding the Prestwich site, officers found 61 cannabis plants adding up to £15,000 in street value upstairs and that the electricity meter had been bypassed.

A total of £15,931.87 was seized, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.

The money was part of more than £5m that has been seized by Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Economic Crime Unit this tax year.

Detective Superintendent Joseph Harrop of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “We are always keen to strip criminals of their finances, if someone has bought a luxury car or home from their criminal profits - why should they be allowed to keep it?

“The money is not only used to buy luxury items, but also used to fund more serious violence and, as always, we are committed to keeping this off the streets of Manchester.

“Our promise to the people of Greater Manchester remains the same – we will tackle economic crime with a lot of force, the community will always win against crime.

“For too long, criminals have been able to brazenly flaunt their assets, driving around in luxury cars and wearing designer items, all of which have been bought by their criminal proceeds.

“Criminals often commit crime for their own financial gain and benefit so this is an important part of the criminal justice system and ensures we can give back in one way or another.

"The money we recover is being used to help fight, prevent and reduce crime- keep people safe, and care for victims which ultimately makes Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.

“We hope this figure sends a clear message; Greater Manchester is not the place to harbour criminal money.”

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious financial activity, should report to police online, if able, at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Applicants can apply for Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme funding on gmp.police.uk. Click here for more information.