In their largest-ever operation against illegal cannabis plantations, police in Britain seized nearly 200,000 plants and arrested more than 1,000 people. According to the police, the raids were “unprecedented”.
In addition to the drugs, dozens of weapons and 650,000 pounds (about 760,000 euros) in cash were seized, the National Council of Chiefs of Police (NPCC) reported on Thursday. The criminals are said to have used the proceeds of the hemp trade for other crimes such as human trafficking, money laundering and importing hard drugs.
“Cannabis-related crime is often classified as low level,” said NPCC officer Steve Jupp. “However, there are clear patterns of exploitation and violence that organized crime gangs use to protect their operations.”
11,000 police officers on duty
In June, a total of 11,000 police officers were deployed to England, Wales and Scotland for “Operation Mille”. The plantations were often housed in large industrial factories, but also in empty residential buildings. The police warned of enormous dangers in such buildings, such as illegal power collection, fumes or water damage.
Source: Krone
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