In what has been described as the largest national operation against cannabis plantations in the UK, more than 450 individuals have been charged, the British police announced. The operation, led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), resulted in the seizure of approximately 182,000 cannabis plants with an estimated value of £115 million to £130 million. Conducted in England and Wales, the operation led to 967 arrests for offenses related to growing cannabis, money laundering, and weapons.
Seized Assets and Arrests
The charges followed the arrest of 967 individuals, and of those arrested, 450 were later charged, according to the NPCC. The operation also led to the seizure of 20 firearms, over £600,000 in cash, and 26 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of £1 million. These coordinated efforts are aimed at disrupting criminal activities associated with organised cannabis networks, which are often linked to class A drug importation and modern slavery.
Implications in London
In London alone, the operation dismantled 65 cannabis factories and resulted in the seizure of 7,250 plants, 60 kilograms of cannabis resin, crack cocaine, and five firearms, as reported by Scotland Yard. Out of the 48 individuals arrested in the capital, 27 have been charged. The operation not only aims to crack down on the illegal cannabis trade but also addresses the safety risks associated with these illegal operations, such as the threat of fire or illegal connections to the electricity network.
Warning Signs and Impact
The NPCC highlights the dangers posed by cannabis factories, emphasizing the risks of fire and other hazardous conditions in these buildings. Signs that a building may be operating as a cannabis factory include frequent visits at all hours of the day and night, condensation on blacked-out windows, intense lighting during nighttime, fan noise, frequent deliveries, and abnormal quantities of pots, fertilizers, and compost. The disruption caused by this operation is expected to assist future police efforts throughout the country, while also raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of illegal cannabis cultivation.
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