£130 Million Cannabis Haul: UK’s Biggest Ever Drug Bust
In a jaw-dropping nationwide crackdown, UK police have seized around £130 million worth of cannabis in what’s being called the most significant law enforcement operation in British history. Dubbed Operation Mille, the month-long campaign targeted organised crime groups (OCGs) sprawling across England and Wales.
Massive Raids Nab 180,000 Cannabis Plants and More
Throughout June, officers stormed locations in a co-ordinated strike, uncovering over 180,000 cannabis plants. The haul didn’t stop there — police also confiscated 20 firearms, £1 million worth of cocaine, and a staggering £636,000 in cash. The aim? To smash OCGs and cut off their criminal lifelines.
Top Cop Warns of Links to Violence and Modern Slavery
Steve Jupp, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Serious and Organised Crime, said: “Cannabis production networks are directly connected to serious crimes like class A drug importation, modern slavery, and violent exploitation.”
He added, “The intelligence we’ve gathered will guide future police action right across the UK.”
Nearly 1,000 Arrested in Largest-Ever Crackdown
Operation Mille executed a staggering 1,000 search warrants across all English counties and Wales, with forces from local police, Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCU), the National Crime Agency, and Immigration Enforcement working together.
So far, 967 suspects have been arrested for offences including cannabis cultivation, money laundering, and weapons crimes. More than 450 have already been charged.
Jupp stressed that while cannabis crime is often seen as “low level,” it’s often a front for brutal organisational violence and exploitation:
“Cannabis production is just one part of wider criminal enterprises that harm communities.”
Operation Mille: A Serious Blow to Organised Crime
The crackdown not only disrupts criminal gangs but also boosts police understanding of their filthy networks. It sends a clear warning: organised crime will not be tolerated in the UK.
Law enforcement remains laser-focused on dismantling these gangs to protect the public and restore safety to communities nationwide.
