Cannabis Worth 650000 Seized In Suffolk

Suffolk Constabulary executed a number of warrants, seizing cannabis worth an estimated £650,000, as part of a national operation to tackle organised crime and in particular target the production of cannabis.

Suffolk Constabulary executed a number of warrants, seizing cannabis worth an estimated £650,000, as part of a national operation to tackle organised crime and in particular target the production of cannabis.

Criminal networks involved in drug dealing, money laundering and other violent offences were targeted by police, focussing on tackling large-scale cannabis cultivations – a key source of illicit income for organised gangs.

There are clear links between serious crime and cannabis cultivation, with the drugs trade fuelling gang related violence and other criminality.

In Suffolk a total of nine warrants were executed, with eight arrests made. In addition to the cannabis seizures, £1,100 in cash was seized, along with equipment used for the cultivation of cannabis.

Suffolk Constabulary worked alongside the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit and partner agencies to target the criminal networks involved in cannabis production and other serious criminality.

The intensification period was designed to disrupt organised crime gangs by taking out a key source of their revenue, while simultaneously apprehending those involved, safeguarding those being exploited, and increasing intelligence around how the networks operate.

Detective Superintendent Tam Burgess said: “To locate and seize such a large quantity of drugs is a great result for Suffolk Constabulary and the county.

“We know the illicit drugs trade is the cause of so much harm within our communities

“The disruption this will cause to organised crime groups who are involved in a wide array of criminality cannot be underestimated. Often these groups are involved in class A drug importation, modern slavery and wider violence and exploitation.”

The size of criminal cannabis factories means that damage is often caused to the properties themselves; the buildings can become dangerous as a result of fire risks, unlawful abstraction of electricity, fumes and water damage. There are some key signs to spot a property could be being used as a cannabis factory: Frequent visitors to a property at unsocial hours throughout the day and night. Blacked out windows or condensation on the windows, even when it is not cold outside. Bright lights in rooms throughout the night. Electricity meters being tampered with/altered and new cabling, sometimes leading to street lighting. High electricity bills could also be an indicator. A powerful, distinctive, sweet, sickly aroma and noise from fans. Lots of work or deliveries of equipment to an address, particularly those associated with growing plants indoors without soil such as heaters and lighting. An excessive amount of plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers, and compost. Anyone with information about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing should contact Suffolk Constabulary.