Police seize 16,000 cannabis plants and make 70 arrests across North East
Police have seized over 16,000 cannabis plants and made 70 arrests across the North East since launching an operation to clampdown on the criminal networks cultivating it.
Operation Mille began in April and saw all police forces and a range of partner agencies work together to tackle illegal drug supply.
Nationally, nearly 200,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of between £115-£130 million were seized, along with £636,000 in cash and 26 kilogrammes of cocaine. Of those arrested, more than 450 were later charged.
In the North East, co-ordinated efforts by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Cleveland Police, Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary and partner agencies, saw a total of 87 warrants executed and the seizure of over 16,000 cannabis plants.
The operation also saw 70 arrests and numerous seizures of large amounts of cash and weapons across the region.
Officers also worked to raise awareness in the community about the risks associated with cannabis farms, from exploitation and anti-social behaviour, to fire hazards.
Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Shutt, Head of NEROCU, said: “We know people often consider cannabis-related crime to be ‘low level’, however it is evident that there are very often links between organised crime and those involved in cannabis cultivation.
“These types of illegal operations help fuel violence in communities and fund wider serious crime such as human trafficking, child exploitation, firearm importation and distribution and modern day slavery.”
DCS Shutt added: “This national operation has been a huge success. Not only has it disrupted and dismantled a significant amount of organised criminal activity, but the intelligence gathered will also help inform future investigations across the country.
“Activity like this is always ongoing, and police forces and partners in our region remain dedicated to tackling all forms of serious and organised crime in order to safeguard the vulnerable, protect victims and communities and bring justice to those exploiting others and committing crime.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson of Northumbria Police said: “Over the last few months our teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure this operation was a success, and I think our results speak for themselves.
“We know no one wants to live next to a cannabis farm and be impacted by the corrosive, ripple effects of drug-dealing which is why this work is so important.
“Through Operation Mille, we were able to develop our intelligence picture, identify and dismantle numerous large-scale farms and grow houses as well as arrest a number of key individuals involved in the supply chain.
“This activity undoubtedly makes our communities stronger and safer and shows our commitment to tackling illegal drug supply.
“We know there are mixed views on the legalities of cannabis but the sad reality is that these criminal networks will use their profits to fund further criminal activity and are often involved in violence, human trafficking and slavery, and anti-social behaviour which is why it is so important we put an end to it.
“We will continue to work with our partners to pursue offenders, protect the vulnerable and empower our neighbourhoods.”
He added: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our communities for their continued support. Please continue to be vigilant and report anything which doesn’t look or feel right.
“You are our eyes and ears and we will always act on what you tell us.”
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