Romford Drug Ring Busted in Brutal Forced Labour Sting
A man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s were arrested at a property in Romford, Essex. Police suspect them of producing cannabis, enslaving a person, and possessing Class A and B drugs.
Additional Arrests Linked to Immigration Crimes
Another man was taken into custody at the same Romford address for immigration offences and remains held. Meanwhile, two men in their 20s and 30s were arrested in central Birmingham on suspicion of producing and possessing Class B drugs, along with immigration violations.
NCA Raids Two Burton on Trent Homes
The National Crime Agency (NCA) also searched two properties in Burton on Trent as part of the investigation. Four suspects have been released under investigation, but one remains in custody pending immigration checks.
NCA Cracks Down on Forced Labour and Organised Crime
NCA operations manager Neil Gardner said: “This is a complex investigation focused on a crime group believed to be using forced labour to produce cannabis.
“We know organised crime gangs often exploit the vulnerable to boost profits through illegal drug production and distribution.
“Victims are sometimes threatened and subjected to extreme violence as criminals assert control. Tackling modern slavery is a top priority for the NCA.”
