Over 700 plants were seized from six separate farms
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.
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 www.gmp.police.uk or, by calling 101.
