Man jailed after multi-million-pound cannabis factory found in former Northampton casino
Nearly 8,000 plants uncovered in heavily fortified building following major police operation
A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after admitting his role in running a large-scale cannabis operation inside a disused casino building in Northampton.
Mantas Piparas, who has no fixed address, appeared before Northampton Crown Court on February 13, where he was handed a three-year and nine-month prison term.
He had previously pleaded guilty to producing a Class B controlled drug.
The case followed a major discovery by Northampton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team on October 30, 2025, at the former Aspers casino site on Commercial Street. Officers were forced to use chainsaws to break into the premises after finding the property had been deliberately sealed off.
Inside, police uncovered an extensive and highly organised cannabis-growing operation spread across three floors. In total, 7,971 plants were seized, with an estimated street value ranging from £2.4 million to £3.2 million.
Investigators revealed that those behind the operation had taken significant measures to avoid detection. Entry points had been bricked up and certain areas reinforced with steel, making access extremely difficult.
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 setup 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."