Latest news with #OperationMille
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Operation targets drugs supplied by organised crime
Thousands of cannabis plants have been seized after an operation by police forces across the South West Officers from Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit were involved in Operation Mille. The scheme, which included almost 40 arrests, was aimed at tackling the growing threat of organised crime groups and their involvement in the illegal drug supply chain. Avon and Somerset Police acting Det Ch Insp, Matthew Lloyd, said the operation demonstrated what can be achieved "when police forces take a united stand". More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol "Organised crime knows no bounds or borders. It requires a robust response from our intelligence and operational teams to make the South West of England as hostile an environment as possible for drug criminals," he added. The Operation included a search in Shepton Mallet, where 1,304 cannabis saplings were found in an industrial unit. A 28-year-old man has now been charged and remanded in custody for the production of a class B drug. Keys found during the raid led police to a flat in Yeovil where more cannabis plants, a quantity of cash and a weapon were recovered. In Wellington, 424 cannabis plants were seized from a warehouse and three suspects, in their 20s, 30s and 40s, were arrested at the scene after being found hiding in squalid conditions in the attic. All three have since been bailed, with two now referred to the National Referral Mechanism - a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive appropriate support. In Wiltshire, eight arrests were made and six warrants were carried out by Police. The force said it had also recovered more than £12,000, 246 grams of cocaine and 101 grams of cannabis after targeting addresses of suspected drug dealers and suppliers. Wiltshire Police DCC, Mark Cooper, said: "These arrests and seizures mean that a significant number of drugs have been removed from our towns and rural areas, as well as the disruption of criminal networks which prey on the vulnerable and bring so much misery to people. He said the operation was a "great opportunity" for the force to work together with partners, colleagues and other police forces from across the region. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Hundreds of cannabis plants worth £860,000 seized Cannabis plants worth £750k seized in operation Drugs worth £1.7m seized as 10 cannabis farms found Stolen farm vehicles funding drugs trade, says PCC Avon and Somerset Police Wiltshire Police Gloucestershire Police
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hundreds of cannabis plants seized by police in drugs blitz
Police in Cumbria have seized nearly 700 cannabis plants worth £550,000 in a massive drugs crackdown. Raids were carried out over three days, targeting industrial-scale cannabis farms run by organised crime gangs. The swoop was part of Operation Mille, a national effort to tackle illegal grows, and Cumbria Constabulary's Operation Alliance with overall aims to bust serious and organised crime. Cops stormed properties in Workington and Seascale, shutting down drug factories. Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey said these cannabis farms are no small-time operations: 'Some people may think cannabis-related crime is not serious. 'But some of the grows uncovered by our officers in Cumbria during their duties and investigations throughout the year are on an industrial level. 'This type of drugs enterprise in general can also involve exploitation and violence, with crime gangs using this to protect their cannabis grows. 'People should be under no illusion that serious and organised crime groups operate in Cumbria. 'It is these groups who are behind the industrial levels of cannabis growth grown in the sort of premises we target all-year-round.' He urged the public to be on high alert and report suspicious activity. Telltale signs of a cannabis farm include: Strong, sickly odours coming from a property Windows constantly covered Excessive security measures like CCTV Condensation on windows A high number of visitors at odd hours Bright lights running all day and night The constant hum of ventilation DS Hussey added of the dangers these illegal operations pose: 'Cannabis farms are very dangerous places and pose a serious risk of fire. 'Often the electricity meter has been bypassed - and seriously overloaded electrical circuits run close to water-filled pipes. 'Plants grown upstairs in a building can also cause floorboards to rot, presenting the danger of collapse.' READ NEXT: Men arrested after moped theft Do you have information that can help the police? Anyone with information can report online at You can also phone on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Cannabis plants worth £750k seized in operation
Cannabis plants with an estimated value of £750,000 have been seized by police during a three-week operation. The West Mercia force, which said 1,365 plants were recovered during Operation Mille, stated that between February and March it shut down seven cannabis growing enterprises in Worcestershire and Shropshire. Cannabis farming was strongly linked to serious and organised crime and the illegal funds it generated often fueled "gang violence and other criminal enterprises", police added. The force said properties used for cultivation posed "significant fire hazards" as criminals "frequently tamper with electrical systems to bypass meters". Det Ch Insp Joanne Woods said: "We know that organised crime groups involved in cannabis production are also linked to other serious crimes, including modern slavery and exploitation. "This three-week operation not only disrupted significant criminal activity and removed cannabis from circulation but also provided valuable intelligence to inform future operations." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. West Mercia Police
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police seize £500k worth of cannabis in operation tackling 'Western Balkan' organised crime
Greater Manchester Police has this year alone seized more than 700 cannabis plants with an estimated value of £500,000, as part of an operation tackling organised crime. The hauls were part of Operation Mille, a national enterprise launched in 2023 tackling Western Balkan organised crime groups across the country - something the force say is 'a growing problem'. This year's 'intensification week' saw nine warrants executed across Greater Manchester, resulting in the discovery of six cannabis farms. READ MORE: Air ambulance lands at shopping centre following emergency with roads shut READ MORE: Multiple schools put into 'lockdown' after reports of man with knife Subsequently four people were arrested, with three remanded and charged, and one released on bail. GMP say cannabis cultivation is 'inextricably linked' to serious crime, with the profits "funnelled into fuelling further criminality and exploitation". As well as posing anti-social behaviour issues for local residents, cannabis farms can also pose a fire hazards due to potentially faulty wiring. Detective Inspector Abigail Thomas, from GMP's Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Team, said: 'Organised crime gangs distributing drugs blight our communities, causing fear and harm for residents with total disregard for others, interested solely in their own gain. 'I hope our intensive action sends a clear message to them that we are watching, and we will continue to pursue them and disrupt their criminal activity to protect our communities. 'We would like to let people know that we do take any intelligence submitted by the public seriously, and we will act on it – it plays an important role in our investigations. 'Please, let us know if you have any concerns about drug activity in your local area.' You can report a crime online using the Live Chat button on our website at or, by calling 101.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- BBC News
Cannabis plants worth £750k seized by West Mercia Police
Cannabis plants with an estimated value of £750,000 have been seized by police during a three-week West Mercia force, which said 1,365 plants were recovered during Operation Mille, stated that between February and March it shut down seven cannabis growing enterprises in Worcestershire and Shropshire. Cannabis farming was strongly linked to serious and organised crime and the illegal funds it generated often fueled "gang violence and other criminal enterprises", police force said properties used for cultivation posed "significant fire hazards" as criminals "frequently tamper with electrical systems to bypass meters". Det Ch Insp Joanne Woods said: "We know that organised crime groups involved in cannabis production are also linked to other serious crimes, including modern slavery and exploitation."This three-week operation not only disrupted significant criminal activity and removed cannabis from circulation but also provided valuable intelligence to inform future operations." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
