UK Police Seize Nearly 200,000 Cannabis Plants Worth €150 Million
UK police seized 182,000 cannabis plants valued at up to €150 million, arresting nearly 1,000 people in a record-breaking operation against illegal drug networks
Key Points
- 1UK police seized 182,000 cannabis plants valued at €150 million
- 2Nearly 1,000 individuals were arrested, with 450 facing charges
- 3Operation also netted firearms, cash, and 26 kilograms of cocaine
- 4Cannabis plantations pose safety risks to local communities
- 5The operation aims to disrupt organized crime linked to serious offenses
In a landmark operation, UK police have seized 182,000 cannabis plants valued at up to €150 million, leading to the arrest of nearly 1,000 individuals. This massive crackdown marks the largest national operation of its kind by UK law enforcement, targeting illegal cannabis cultivation and related criminal activities across England and Wales
The operation, spearheaded by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), resulted in 967 arrests for offenses including cannabis cultivation, money laundering, and weapons possession. Following the arrests, 450 individuals have been formally charged. Authorities also confiscated 20 firearms, over €700,000 in cash, and 26 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately €1.17 million
Steve Jupp, the NPCC's Head of Organised Crime, emphasized the operation's impact on criminal networks, noting that it disrupts activities linked to serious crimes such as the importation of class A drugs and modern slavery. He highlighted that the intelligence gathered would support future police efforts. In London alone, police dismantled 65 cannabis factories, seizing thousands of plants and arresting 48 individuals, 27 of whom have been charged
Cannabis remains illegal in the UK, with severe penalties for possession and distribution. The NPCC warns that cannabis plantations pose risks to nearby communities, including fire hazards and illegal electricity connections. Signs of such illegal operations include unusual activity, blacked-out windows, and frequent deliveries. The successful operation not only curtails illegal drug activities but also enhances community safety