British police have performed searches at more than 1 000 cannabis farms as part of a massive anti-marijuana action. Cannabis plants worth a total of EUR 152 million were confiscated and approximately 1 000 suspects were detained by the police.
The month-long police operation was intended to put an end to the illegal business that, according to the police, is one of the main sources of funding of local organised crime groups
in addition to other criminal activities, such as money laundering, A-class narcotics smuggling and extortion.
According to Head of National Police Chiefs Council on Serious Crimes and Organized Crime Steve Jupp, law enforcers are aware that networks engaged in marijuana production are related to other criminal methods of acquiring income, such as smuggling of A-class narcotics, modern slavery and extortion.
Marijuana-related crimes are often considered unimportant crimes. However, there is a clear link between these and the violent crimes committed by organised crime groups to protect their interests, he stressed.
Operation Mille involved all police forces of England, Wales and Scotland.
During this operation police managed to confiscate 200 000 cannabis saplings, as well as 15-20 firearms and more than 40 other kinds of weapons.
Approximately 11 000 police officers participated in searches, during which they also confiscated EUR 650 000 in cash.
Criminal groups used industrial premises and empty dwellings to set up cannabis farms.
Police say illegal electricity connections used for the purposes of growing cannabis also presented a fire hazard.
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