Eight Cannabis Factories Busted in Swindon Streets
Police have smashed eight separate cannabis factories hidden inside residential homes across Swindon. The Fortitude Team launched a major operation from Thursday evening (March 25) through the weekend, uncovering these illegal grows in rented properties.
Victims Trafficked From London Rescued
The addresses raided include Exmouth Street, County Road, Pakenham Road, Westcott Place, Belle Vue Road, Alfred Street, and Newhall Street. At nearly every location, officers found six young men aged 19 to 28, who had been trafficked from London and forced to tend the cannabis plants. The victims were taken into specialist care.
Two Arrested Amid £4 Million Cannabis Crime Wave
Two London men aged 21 and 22 were arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and human trafficking. They have been released on conditional bail. Detective Inspector Angela Shipp, leading the probe, revealed the scale of the operation:
“In most properties, every room was converted into a cannabis grow room. These factories can produce more than £4 million worth of cannabis annually. The damage left behind costs landlords thousands in repairs.”
She added the operation highlights how human trafficking for cannabis grows is a hidden yet brutal crime happening in communities right under our noses.
Police Urge Public to Report Suspicious Activity
Detective Inspector Shipp warned criminals targeting Wiltshire to think twice:
“If you come here to set up cannabis factories and exploit vulnerable people, we will find you, dismantle your operations, and bring you to justice.”
She urged residents to report any signs of cannabis cultivation by calling 101, visiting the Wiltshire Police website, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
