£5.3 Million Worth of Cannabis Raided in Massive Yorkshire Crackdown
The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YH ROCU) teamed up with four local police forces to smash a huge cannabis operation, seizing over £5.3 million of the drug after executing 138 warrants.
127 Arrests as Police Target Organised Crime Gangs
The operation, focused on organised crime groups (OCGs) across Yorkshire and Humberside, led to 127 arrests linked to drug dealing, immigration crimes, and money laundering.
Throughout June, YH ROCU alongside Humberside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">West Yorkshire police raided numerous cannabis farms. The haul included more than 19,500 cannabis plants and 26 kilos of processed cannabis. Officers also uncovered cash, weapons, and other drugs during Operation Mille, a nationally coordinated crackdown.
YH ROCU Chief Speaks Out on Drug Gangs’ Impact
Detective Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, deputy head of YH ROCU, said: “We targeted criminal networks involved in drug dealing, immigration crime, and money laundering to disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.
“Working with all four Yorkshire and Humber forces and partner agencies, we hit the large-scale cannabis cultivation that is a major source of illegal income for organised gangs.
“There’s a clear link between serious crime and cannabis cultivation. The drug trade fuels gang violence as groups fight for turf, hunting rivals and wrecking our communities.”
Operation Mille: Big Results Across Yorkshire and Humber
- 138 cannabis grow operations raided
- 19,500+ cannabis plants and 26 kilos seized
- 127 arrests related to organised crime
- Cash, weapons, and other drugs also recovered
Steve Jupp, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Serious and Organised Crime, added: “Cannabis production is not low-level crime. It’s tied to serious offences like Class A drug importation, modern slavery, violence, and exploitation.”
“The intelligence gathered will help law enforcement disrupt these criminal enterprises nationwide. These gangs don’t just grow cannabis – they devastate communities with broader crime.”
Cannabis Factories Pose Serious Risks to Communities
Illegal cannabis farms often cause property damage, increasing fire risks, electrical hazards from stolen power, fumes, and water damage. Such ‘factories’ endanger local people and homes.
If you suspect a property is being used for cannabis cultivation or drug dealing, report it by contacting your local police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Spot the Signs of a Cannabis Factory
- Strong, unusual smells resembling skunk or fertiliser
- Excessive ventilation or fans visible
- High electricity usage or suspicious wiring
- Unusual activity at odd hours
- Blacked-out windows or covered vents
Stay alert and help police crack down on these dangerous criminal networks terrorising our communities.
