Police raided over 1k cannabis farms, seized plants worth £130million and arrested 1k suspects in month-long crackdown

Police have raided more than 1,000 cannabis farms, seized £130million worth of plants and arrested around 1,000 suspects in a month-long raid.

Operation Mille, the largest of its kind, involved over 11,000 officers from all the armed forces in England, Wales and Scotland throughout June.

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Police seized 200,000 cannabis plants, 15 to 20 firearms, more than 40 other assault weapons and £650,000 in cash.

The attacks aimed to dismantle the highly profitable organized crime enterprise.

Steve Jupp of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said gangs involved in cannabis farming are linked to crimes including Class A drug smuggling, modern slavery and violence.

He added: “Not only has this operation disrupted a significant portion of criminal activity, but the information gathered will help inform future law enforcement agencies.”

“Cannabis-related crime is often classified as low-level, but there are clear patterns of exploitation and violence that criminal groups use to protect their businesses.”

Police also say cannabis farms pose risks from fire, fumes and water damage.