Police forces in the South West target cannabis production by organised criminal networks

Between 17 and 21 February, police forces across the South West carried out a major crackdown on large-scale cannabis cultivation. 2,240 cannabis plants were discovered and destroyed and £57,335 cash was recovered.

Between 17 and 21 February, police forces across the South West carried out a major crackdown on large-scale cannabis cultivation.

During this time there were 32 property searches (warrants), 36 people were arrested and 2,240 cannabis plants were discovered and destroyed and £57,335 cash was recovered. In addition 246g of cocaine, 500g and 32 wraps of ketamine, over 20 Nitrous Oxide (NOS) cannisters, 6 knives, 1 firearm, 1 BB gun, 1 axe and 1 electrocution device were seized.

The action formed part of Operation Mille, a national intensification effort targeting organised crime groups involved in large scale cannabis production. The operation coincided with a regional collaborative effort marking the 11th time that Devon & Cornwall Police, Avon & Somerset Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Police, Wiltshire Police and the South West Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) have joined forces to disrupt drug gangs and dealers operating in the region.

In Devon and Cornwall, as part of simultaneous Operation Mille and regional Operation Scorpion activity, approximately 500 cannabis plants of varying growth stages were seized from six locations with an estimated street value of £250,000.

Thirteen individuals were arrested for drug supply offences. Cash amounting to £10,500 was seized. Four vehicles were seized which were used in the commission of drug supply offences, along with an imitation firearm, large Zombie style knife, hammer and knuckleduster. 10kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of £10,000, 100g of cocaine with an estimated street value of £3000 and 50g of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of £2,500 were also seized.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce of Devon & Cornwall Police, representing the five forces, emphasised the wider impact of large-scale cannabis production.

“Behind these operations lies a much larger network of organised crime, which brings significant harm and disruption to our communities. Cannabis farms are often linked to anti-social behaviour, violence, and other drug related activities. The illegal profits fund further criminality both in the UK and internationally.”

He also highlighted the human cost of these operations: “Many of those forced to run these groups are vulnerable individuals, often victims of human trafficking and exploitation. Organised crime groups prey on these people for financial gain and with little regard for their well-being.”

ACC Pearce praised the efforts of all officers across the South West “I’m extremely impressed by the hard work of our officers in identifying, tackling and disrupting these criminal operations. Their efforts send a strong message that the South West is a hostile environment for organised crime.”

He added: “There can be signs that illegal cannabis cultivation is happening in a neighbourhood or community. If you think this is happening where you live, contact the police, and let them know, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers, don’t put up with it.”

Signs of large-scale cannabis production include:

• An increase in visitors and cars to a property at unsocial times
• Secretive behaviours with windows covered inside, day and night
• An unusual degree of security on a residential property
• Trailing cables, electrical installations running off street lighting
• Heavy condensation on windows even in warm weather
• A pervasive distinctive smell
• Bright light at all times of day, from windows, lofts, or garages

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “On behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioners of the five South West police forces, we continue to work together with our partners to combat the scourge of drugs in our region. We listened to our communities and prioritised drugs which created Operation Scorpion. We are as true and resolute to that now, in its 11th deployment, as we were for it first in 2022.

“Running concurrently with national Operation Mille, this time around there has been a focus on large scale cannabis production, which the Police and Crime Commissioners have seen to be a gateway drug. So not only has the activity tackled the sources and consumption of cannabis, but also the criminality, anti-social behaviour, violence, and exploitation associated with it.

“A lot of the successful police activity had been driven by ordinary members of the public like you or I, and we would like to thank everyone for the information they have provided and reinforce the importance of community intelligence to ensure success.”

Police forces, regional organised crime units (ROCUs) and partner organisations across England and Wales all participated in the third iteration of Operation Mille, with impressive results, including:

• 346 warrants and searches
• 45,746  plants seized, worth an estimated street value of £45,746,000 (based on an average of £1,000 per plant).
• 225 individuals have been arrested 
• 59 weapons have been seized, including 14 firearms
• £183,299.75 in cash seized
• 17 individuals suspected of being victims of modern slavery and human trafficking have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism to receive appropriate support

You can read more about Operation Mille activities nationally on the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) website, here: https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/over-gbp-45-million-worth-of-drugs-seized-in-crackdown-on-cannabis-cultivation

If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening where you live, please report to the police.

Call 101 or report online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

If you wish to remain completely anonymous you can use Crimestoppers, an independent charity, by reporting online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111.

If anyone is in immediate danger call 999.