Police reveal eye-watering estimated street value of ‘the biggest cannabis factory in Northamptonshire’s history'

Mantas Piparas, of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Northampton Crown Court on February 13 for his part in a cannabis factory at the old Aspers casino, after pleading guilty to one count of producing a controlled drug of Class B (cannabis).

The 36-year-old was arrested after he gave himself up to Northampton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, who forced entry into the former casino in Commercial Street on October 30, 2025.

Officers used chainsaws to gain entry to the building, where they discovered a highly organised criminal operation containing more than 7,971 cannabis plants spread over three floors. The plants were later valued at between £2.4 million and £3.2 million.

Officers described it as “one of the biggest cannabis factories in the county’s history”. They also said the set-up was “very organised”, with efforts made to “keep the police out”, including bricked-over doors and rooms reinforced with steel.

Chief Inspector Nic Davis-Lyons said: “This was a large-scale, highly organised criminal operation, and this sentencing shows that those involved will be held to account. The lengths taken to secure the site and keep police out highlight just how determined these individuals were to continue their criminal activity.

“The scale of this set-up demonstrates the wider harm that organised crime brings into our communities, from exploitation to serious safety risks. I’m proud of the work carried out by our officers to bring down one of the biggest cannabis factories in the county’s history, and we will continue to disrupt those who profit from criminality.”