Police are targeting ‘enablers’ after seizing a £3m cannabis haul in one month alone. Warwickshire Police took part in the nationwide sting, dubbed ‘Operation Mille’, to tackle cannabis and cocaine trade as well as the associated violent crime and exploitation.
During July, police teams found a cannabis farm worth more than £1m in a factory in Harbury and also a full cannabis factory in production at a former all-you-can-eat buffet in Nuneaton town centre.
In total, during the month, there were nine arrests, 11 raids and cannabis plants with a total street value of more than £3m have been seized. But as well as smashing the drugs networks, they say they are also targeting those who enable their production.
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The force says ‘professional enablers’ can perform many roles including estate agents, letting agents, legal professionals, and accountants. They offer services that facilitate serious and organised crime to be committed, hidden from view.
Det Insp Peake, of the Warwickshire Police Force intelligence team, said: “For over a year now our teams have worked extremely hard to disrupt the activity of these criminal gangs and bring offenders to justice. We’re also hitting criminal gangs where it hurts the most, in their pockets. The results of this work speak for themselves.
“The message is starting to get out that Warwickshire is not a good place to come to if you want produce cannabis, distribute drugs and exploit vulnerable people. This is helping to make our communities safer.
“We will continue to work with our communities to tackle the problem. Local people are our eyes and ears in our communities and the information you provide is vital. Please continue to be vigilant and report any concerns to us.”
To report concerns around the production of cannabis or exploitation of vulnerable people go to Tell us something you’ve seen or heard | Warwickshire Police or call 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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It included raids at a factory and a former Nuneaton all-you-can-eat buffet Read More